Helping Victims of Typhoon 'Haiyan'

Reports are trickling in and gave an estimate that about 1,200 people may have been killed when one of the most powerful typhoons, Super Typhoon 'Haiyan' or 'Yolanda' whipped the central Philippines with maximum sustained winds of around 315 kilometres (195 miles) an hour. Photos and images also showed entire communities were flattened and families, with children, still embracing each other after they died from tsunami-like waves.

However, some authorities are saying that the figure might climb up to 10,000 as rescue workers raced their way to reach communities located in coastal towns.

Worse, more permanent damage is seen after the devastation. Food security will be badly hit since most of those affected in Samar and Leyte relies mostly on agriculture and fisheries. Add to this the fact that most of the people there belong to the poor classes because Eastern Samar has one of the highest poverty incidence in the country with 6,000 estimated poor individuals. In Leyte, one out of three belongs to the very poor and vulnerable.

This is the reason why aid should flow there as so as possible without delay. CNN has compiled a list of charities and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) from around the world that are currently responding to this disaster. Many are detailed below with how they're providing aid and how you can help them make a difference:

• Philippine Red Cross
  
  The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has deployed rescue and relief teams to evaluate the damage and to support rescue efforts in the areas devastated by Typhoon Haiyan. You can donate to the Philippine Red Cross by selecting the Supertyphoon Yolanda campaign on their donation page.
  
  The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the American Red Cross are both supporting the Philippine Red Cross and are ready to provide additional assistance. The Canadian Red Cross is also working with the PRC and are accepting donations for their Typhoon Haiyan Fund to assist all countries affected by this storm. In addition, the British Red Cross has launched a Typhoon Haiyan Appeal that you can support.
• American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
  
  The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is working with local authorities, the Filipino Jewish community and their global partners to assist in providing for survivors' immediate needs. You can support their efforts online or by phone at 1-212-687-6200.
• CARE
  
  CARE's emergency response teams are coordinating with local partners in the Philippines to provide food, water, shelter and health care for those in need. Their teams in Vietnam are preparing for the potential need there as Typhoon Haiyan continues its devastation. You can support CARE's efforts on their website, or by phone at 1-800-521-2273 within the United States or +1-404-681-2252 outside the U.S.
• Catholic Relief Services
  
  Catholic Relief Services, the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the U.S., is on the ground helping with water purification, shelter materials and essential living supplies. You can donate to the organization's efforts online or you can call 1-877-435-7277. You can also type in your phone number on the website and a representative will call you back to take your donation.
• Convoy of Hope
  
  Convoy of Hope's Global Disaster Response Team has shipping containers full of food and supplies on the way to the Philippines. The organization is preparing more supplies to be sent like canned goods, hygiene kits and water filtration units. You can visit Convoy of Hope's website to donate funds to their efforts or call 1-417-823-8998.
• UNICEF
  
  The UNICEF is helping children and their families in the Philippines receive shelter, clean water, nutrition and vaccines. Their emergency response can be supported online or by calling 1-800-367-5437.
• Save the Children
  
  Save the Children is offering disaster relief support for children in the Philippines, Laos and Vietnam after Typhoon Haiyan. You can support their Philippines Annual Monsoon and Typhoon Children in Emergency Fund online. You can also donate by phone at 1-800-728-3843.

• World Food Programme
  
  The World Food Programme was already providing emergency food assistance in the Philippines following the October earthquake. With these emergency food stocks stretched thin, they're now mobilizing additional supplies and are flying in 40 tons of fortified biscuits in the coming days. Additional food supplies are needed. You can help these efforts by donating online or by calling 1-202-747-0722 domestically or +39-06-65131 for international calls.

• World Vision
  
  World Vision is responding in the Philippines by first providing emergency food and clean water. They will also work to create child-friendly spaces and help families rebuild from this disaster. They have launched a Philippines Disaster Response Fund that you can support online or by calling 1-888-511-6443.