MANILA, Philippines—In response to the massive devastation caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan, Jehovah’s Witnesses have organized an ongoing global relief effort for the Philippines.

The branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Manila formed five disaster relief committees to expedite assistance to victims. More than 190 tons of supplies have been sent to the central Philippines. Witnesses from at least ten countries offered to assist with the relief effort. Volunteers are helping to rebuild and repair over 2,000 homes or provide medical support.

As many as 225 people are still living in tents set up by the Witnesses at a relocation site near Calbayog City, Samar. An estimated 15 to 20 percent of those seeking refuge at the site are non-Witnesses.

In the aftermath of what has proved to be one of the most powerful storms to ever make landfall, the death toll has risen to 6,201 and 1,785 people are still missing. Some 28,000 people were injured and over 1 million homes were damaged. The Philippines branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Manila now confirms that 33 Witnesses have died and 10 are missing and presumed dead.

Beginning on December 7, 2013, Mark Sanderson, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, visited five provinces in the affected region over the course of seven days. He states: “The tragic results of Typhoon Haiyan are still deeply affecting many in the Philippines; yet we are prepared to continue providing the needed supplies, manpower, and comfort to help the victims recover.”

Media Contact(s):

International: J. R. Brown, Office of Public Information, tel. +1 718 560 5000

Philippines: Dean Jacek, tel. +63 2 411 6090