This category 5 storm may have been the strongest to ever make landfall with sustained winds of 145 mph and gusts over 175 mph. (Keep in mind Katrina was a category 3 storm when it made landfall.)
There have been an estimated 10,000 deaths in one city alone. 100,000's have been displaced.
Many compared the scene to a tsunami, and water is reported to have surged up to 30 feet in some areas. A disaster zone has been declared and aid is beginning to pour in from within the Philippines and around the world.
However, relief efforts are being hampered by authorities' inability to reach people due to debris and destroyed roads. There have already been reports of looting and violence due to a lack of clean water and food.
I'm bringing this tragedy to your attention because of this little cutie (and the estimated 1.7 million children just like her who have been affected by the storm.) You've heard me talk about my precious Filipino baby whose sweet mom writes the most loving letters on her behalf. Now I'm worried for her safety.
Rhean lives in a rural area in the south of the province of Leyte, directly in the path of the storm. She, along with her father, pregnant mother, 9-year-old brother, and 6-year-old sister, live in a house constructed primarily of bamboo with a thatched roof. Their small village on the plains is about 15 miles from the nearest city.
Somehow tragedy strikes harder when it is not unknown victims, but a child close to your heart. I do not know for sure if Rhean was affected, and it may be some time before Compassion is able to communicate with the field office to find out. However, I am praying that she and her family are safe. I'm also relieved to know that Compassion's staff will check in on them and make sure that they get aid if they need it.
Please join me in praying for Rhean and her family, as well as the millions of others affected by this disastrous storm. The situation there is truly heartbreaking.
For more information about Typhoon Haiyan and the beginnings of relief coming to the island nation, please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24887746.
You can also donate to relief efforts here: http://www.compassion.com/typhoon-hits-philippines.htm.
