Typhoon Haiyan is one of the strongest recorded typhoons in recent history. It tore through much of the Philippine archipelago and caused widespread devastation, leveling entire towns and affecting thousands of families many of who now have no homes, no clothing, food or water.
Haiyan pummeled the Philippines with winds of up to 313 kph and the size of the storm itself was monstrous being large enough to cover most of the US.
It is a desperate situtation affecting many already impoverished areas. Since the Philippines is made up of thousands of islands, getting aid to the people who need it the most has been a monumental effort.
Reports have started to come in and the effects of this unprecedented super typhoon and the images and stories are heartbreaking. Tens of thousands are feared dead or missing, and millions more are affected by this tragedy. While relief efforts are underway, more help is needed fast.
Before and after images of the Philippine Typhoon Haiyan from Sploid
Here is how you can help.
The Canadian Red Cross has been assisting its Philippine counterparts since Friday, working to meet the needs of individuals in crisis.
The Canadian aid coalition of CARE, Oxfam, Plan Canada and Save the Children have been working with its member agencies on the ground in the Philippines since the disaster struck.
UNICEF is working with its partners to provide life-saving essentials and emergency supplies to children affected by the typhoon.
The Canadian emergency-relief charity has departed for the Philippines and is focusing on water-purification in the affected regions.
Canadians looking for information on friends and relatives who may have been caught in the affected areas can call Foreign Affairs’ 24-7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre at 1-800-387-3124 or 613-996-8885.
Subscribers of Rogers, TELUS and Bell Mobility can donate $5 to the Red Cross by simply texting REDCROSS or ROUGE to 30333. Larger amounts can be sent through the Red Cross website.
TELUS landline subscribers in BC and AB can call Philippine landlines for free from November 8-14.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 10:01PM 
Visible satellite image of Hurricane Matthew approaching Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba at 15:15 UTC on October 3, 2016. [GOES East Satellite (NOAA)]