Americares Responds to Typhoon Haima

Stamford, Conn. – Oct. 20, 2016 – Americares is deploying a response team to the northern Philippines where Typhoon Haima has left a path of destruction. The Category 4 storm made landfall in Luzon yesterday with drenching rain and 140-mph winds that tore roofs off homes and knocked out power.

Medical teams from the Americares office in Manila departed for Cagayan and Isabela Provinces today. They will begin to treat survivors and bring relief supplies to displaced families as early as tomorrow. Each team will include a physician, a nurse and a logistics specialist. Americares is prepared to send additional relief workers, as well as medicine and supplies, from its U.S. headquarters if needed.

“We know all too well the damage a powerful storm like this can cause and began making preparations to respond before it made landfall,” said Americares Director of Emergency Response Kate Dischino. “Our medical teams are ready to help in affected communities. In some areas, it was the second major storm in four days and families will need assistance to recover.”

Americares relief workers are among the first to respond to emergencies and stay as long as needed, helping to restore health services for survivors. The organization responds to an average of 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year, establishes long-term recovery projects and brings disaster preparedness programs to vulnerable communities.