Typhoon Haiyan

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Photo © Japan Meteorological Agency and EUMETSAT

On behalf of President Sinikka Sipilä, the IFLA Governing Board, and IFLA colleagues around the world we express our deep sorrow for the disaster that has struck the people of the Philippines. We hope that our colleagues in the Philippines, and their families, are safe. 

IFLA is in communication with the National Librarian of the Philippines, Antonio Santos, who will be keeping us informed of developments and needs that their nation faces in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. The National Library also has responsibility for many public library functions as well and is working with the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI).  Prior to last week's typhoon, PLAI had just began assisting libraries and librarians affected by October's 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu in the central Philippines. 

As Typhoon Haiyan has affected up to 11 million people, there are many challenges ahead. One way librarians can already assist is to donate funds through national government/aid organisation campaigns to support the immediate health and safety needs of this extensive disaster recovery effort and thereby benefit the communities that libraries serve.

PLAI's President, Mrs. Elizabeth Peralejo, has issued a call for action which includes information on how to send financial support.*

The Philippine library community sincerely appreciates the concern and support they've already received from their international colleagues.

For more information about the extent of the devastation and where humanitarian aid is needed the most, please see the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs just released 22-page 'Typhoon Haiyan Action Plan.'  It outlines in detail the affected areas and populations, priority actions, funding requirements, and the response capacities of the Philippine government. There is also an Annex that includes overviews and contact details on some of the various organisations (IGOs and NGOs) involved in relief efforts.