Typhoon Ulysses: Filipino society steps up

Kingston University’s Filipino Society has been encouraging donations to support people after deadly typhoons slam the Philippines.

Typhoon Ulysses, also known as Vamco, hit last week killing at least 67 people, destroying houses and leaving hundreds of thousands of people displaced.

“Many, if not all of the current members have individually donated some amounts to verified charities and organisations,” law student and current president of the Filipino Society, Raven Pujanes said.

Whilst in the midst of a pandemic, now more than ever, the Philippines is in desperate need of help. And Pujanes has ensured that the society has spread awareness of the disaster to other communities.

The aftermath of natural disasters is heartbreaking, especially if there aren’t enough resources to rebuild what has been destroyed. Ulysses is the fifth typhoon to have hit this month and large parts of the country have been affected.

“Pain and love remain constant in all of us and that should at least remind us how much any form of support could mean to those in need of it,” Pujanes said.

Flooding continues in the worst affected areas. President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of calamity on the island of Luzon.

Slamming communities during a deadly pandemic

Richard Gordon, the chairman of the Philippine Red Cross said in a statement: “These non-stop storms are slamming our communities during a deadly pandemic.” He said the disasters are making it much more difficult for the country to cope with the coronavirus.

A study published in May said that the effects of climate change mean that such storms are becoming stronger, more dangerous and life-threatening.

If you’d like to donate or know more about it, please visit: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2020/red-cross-response-to-typhoon-goni.html 

Or if you would like more information, please contact the President of the Filipino society, Raven Pujanes, at: K1904366@kingston.ac.uk