Red Cross Taking Family Inquiries in Wake of Typhoon Haiyan
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The American Red Cross is currently accepting family linking inquiries for missing loved ones in relation to Typhoon Haiyan. The Red Cross provides humanitarian services to refugee and immigrant communities by reconnecting loved ones separated by conflict, natural disaster or other humanitarian situations and by ensuring broad dissemination of humanitarian principles.
"Restoring family links is one of the fundamental parts of our mission," said American Red Cross of Massachusetts CEO Jarrett Barrios. "Our hearts are with those in the Philippines today beginning their first steps on the road to recovery."
Typhoon Haiyan continues to cut a swath of destruction across Visayas in central Philippines. With sustained winds reported at over 145 miles per hour, and significantly stronger gust, Haiyan may prove to be one of the most intense storms on record.
Red Cross volunteers in areas where the typhoon has already made landfall are reporting significant damages although a clearer picture will only emerge once the storm subsides and communications is restored. The American Red Cross is in close contact with our counterparts in the Philippines and is ready to provide assistance if requested.
Local residents concerned about loved ones in the Philippines may submit inquires to the Red Cross. Inquiries meeting the following criteria will be accepted:
Sought persons living in the affected areas who were in regular contact with their relatives in the United States during the past 12 months prior to the disaster.
For family members who are not U.S. citizens.
Inquiries concerning U.S. citizens should be referred to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747. Remember that this phone number is frequently busy during the first days of a large disaster.
Contact Red Cross Service to Armed Forces and International Services Manager Meredith Griswold at 413-737-4306, Ext. 1929, or Meredith.griswold@redcross.org to learn how to use Red Cross services to seek family members.
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