10 from Boone respond to Philippines following typhoon

BOONE, N.C. — Eyewitness News heard from missionary workers on Sunday from the Charlotte area who are in the Philippines helping victims of Thursday's devastating super typhoon.

Workers with Samaritan's Purse based in Boone said the need there is so great, yet provisions are scarce.

"In certain areas, there is just total devastation with buildings and all types of infrastructure just totally removed," said Patrick Seger.

He is leading a disaster response team of 10 from Samaritan's Purse.

They arrived in the Philippines two days ago and are now waiting for a second team to get there next week.

"This disaster is huge and we need more people to take part in this relief effort," said Seger.

Since they got to the Philippines, Seger said they have been meeting with other relief organizations, churches and the United Nations to assess the need and come up with a plan to help.

"The things that we're seeing that people don't have are clean water, they don't have shelter, and all of their food has been taken away as well," said Seger.

On Monday, the group will head south to the island of Cebu where it will set up offices and provide help to one of the hardest hit areas.

"It's the most accessible area. So from there we will be able to provide relief supplies such as plastic sheeting, temporary shelters, water purification systems, blankets and hygiene items," said Seger, "We're working specifically on the physical and spiritual needs of people at a time when they need it the most."

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How to help:

Several local organizations have set up ways to donate and help the victims in the Philippines.

Red Cross: Emergency responders and volunteers throughout the Philippines are providing meals and relief items. Donate through the Red Cross of Charlotte

Samaritan's Purse: Samaritan's Purse immediately deployed disaster response specialists, including water and nutrition experts, to the region. Donate here.

National organizations are offering ways to help the victims:

AmeriCares - The relief organization is sending medical aid for 20,000 survivors, including antibiotics, wound care supplies and pain relievers. Donate here.

UNICEF - Anticipating that children will likely be among the worst affected by the typhoon, UNICEF is working on getting essential medicines, nutrition supplies, safe water and hygiene supplies to children and families in the area. Donate here.

Salvation Army - 100 percent of all disaster donations will be used for relief efforts and "to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors." Text TYPHOON to 80888 to Donate $10 or give online. Donate here.

World Food Programme - WFP has allocated an immediate $2 million for Haiyan relief, with a greater appeal pending as needs become apparent.  Donate here.

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