Statement by Governor's Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs on Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda

Press Release

The Governor's Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs issued a statement today regarding last week's devastating typhoon in the Philippines that has left thousands dead and homeless.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and devastating damage caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan," said Governor's Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs Executive Director Tiffany Hwang. "Pennsylvania is home to more than 25,000 Filipino Americans, many of whom have family members and loved ones in the Philippines. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them at this time."

Last week, Super Typhoon Haiyan crashed into a cluster of islands in the heart of the Philippines with sustained winds of 195 mph and gusts as strong as 235 mph. It could possibly be one of the strongest storms in history, and one of the most catastrophic, leaving an estimated 2,500 people dead.

In Pennsylvania, Filipino Americans are an integral part of the Asian American community. They add to the vibrant cultural heritage that is vital to our commonwealth's diverse and ethnic social community, Hwang said.

The Governor's Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs is the state's advocate agency for the Asian American community and is tasked with ensuring that the Asian American community continues to prosper in Pennsylvania.

The commission makes recommendations to the governor on policies and procedures, as well as working to ensure that state government is accessible and accountable to the Asian American community.

If you are searching for family members in the Philippines here are several resources.

· International Committee of the Red Cross: Family Links
http://familylinks.icrc.org/yolanda-typhoon/en/Pages/search-persons.aspx?View={A0FABDE0-C70A-4E01-BCDE-444392F69E6E}&FolderCTID=0x012001

· Google Person Finder: Typhoon Yolanda Website
http://google.org/personfinder/2013-yolanda

· The Philippine Embassy to the United States is compiling g a list of referrals for family linking. Please visit their website at:
http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/

· Partial list of survivors is posted on GMA News website http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/334961/news/nation/partial-list-of-typhoon-yolanda-survivors Reportedly this list is "collated by the ground team of the Department of Social Welfare and Development--Information Communication Technology Management Service Disaster Response Augmentation Team in Tacloban. The list will be updated as more names are collected."

· CNN iReport Website: http://ireport.cnn.com/ (The site allows you to upload photo and enter information of the missing person and other information that you think may help).

If you need additional assistance or would like to learn more about disaster relief services contact your local Red Cross.

Southeastern PA Regional Headquarters (Philadelphia)
Leo Pratte, Regional Emergency Services Director
(215) 299-4822
http://www.redcross.org/pa/philadelphia/local-services/emergency-services

Northeastern PA Regional Headquarters (Bethlehem/Allentown):
Jen Pierce, International Services Director
(610) 216-6901
http://www.redcross.org/pa/bethlehem/programs-services/international-services

Central PA Regional Headquarters
1-800-REDCROSS or 1-877-272-7337
http://www.redcross.org/pa/harrisburg/volunteer/disaster-relief

Western PA Regional Headquarters
888-217-9599
http://www.redcross.org/pa/harrisburg/volunteer/disaster-relief

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