philippines typhoon relief
Electric cooperatives have launched a fundraising campaign to restore power in areas devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. To donate, visit NRECA’s Philippines Typhoon Relief page.
When Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines on Nov. 8, it destroyed the power grid. Electric cooperatives there are not only scrambling to restore emergency power for the people, but their own employees are struggling to cope. Staff and their families in some locations are sleeping at their local co-op, because their homes were destroyed. Of the islands' 119 electric cooperatives, 30 were severely affected.
Working with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the electric cooperatives of South Carolina are looking for ways to support the recovery effort, both short-term and long-term. The S.C. Cooperatives Care Foundation donated $2,000 to help co-op families in the Philippines and made an ongoing commitment to reach out to the state's cooperatives for support.
“The quickest, best way we can help now is to send money,” says Ingrid Hunsinger, who directs NRECA International.
In the coming months, after emergency needs are met, electric co-ops may also be asked to send volunteer crews. U.S. electric cooperatives have had a long relationship with their counterparts in the Philippines, reaching back to 1966 when NRECA helped the Philippines establish its electric cooperative system.
NRECA International has experience providing this type of emergency and long-term recovery aid, having done similar work following the earthquake in Haiti.
For more on how you can help, visit NRECA’s Philippines Typhoon Relief page.