On December 16, 2021, Typhoon Odette made landfall in the Philippines, killing nearly 400 people and impacting about 4 million across more than 400 cities. It was the strongest typhoon to hit the island nation last year, with winds exceeding 160 mph (260 kph). YachtAid Global has launched Operation Pearl to deliver emergency supplies to the archipelago and to raise funds for ongoing relief.
Also called Typhoon Rai, Typhoon Odette evolved rapidly from the equivalent of a Category 1 storm to a Category 5 in 24 hours. It’s further among the strongest typhoons to hit the Philippines in recent years. Heavy rains, flooding, wind damage, and landslides have flattened entire villages, hospitals, and agricultural areas. Similarly, they have blocked roads and bridges, destroyed vessels, and knocked out power and running water. Images such as the ones here, supplied by YachtAid Global, reveal how an estimated hundreds of thousands are homeless.
Additionally, the Philippines is among the hardest-hit Asia-Pacific countries in terms of the pandemic. Just prior to Typhoon Odette hitting, the country registered its first Omnicron case. The storm destruction is therefore complicating matters.
YachtAid Global, a non-profit that mobilizes yachts to provide emergency supplies and relief following natural disasters, so-named Operation Pearl because the Philippines’ nickname is the Pearl of the Orient Seas. The organization says all funds will go toward the disaster-relief effort. Already, YachtAid Global has been working with non-government organizations (NGOs) in the islands, determining the biggest needs and planning logistics. Deliveries include potable water-filtration systems as well as the filters themselves, plus hygiene kits, nutrition packs, and emergency-shelter supplies.
Since 2006, YachtAid Global has worked with more than 200 vetted NGOs, charities, governmental agencies, disaster-relief experts, yacht agents, and yachts around the world.
YachtAid Global Operation Pearl yachtaidglobal.org
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