A crisis disrupts the building blocks of a good life: education, income and health. Disaster work is foundational to the United Way Worldwide mission of mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good
We are part of the community -- there long before catastrophe strikes, and long after first responders have moved on. At United Way, we know that one’s fate is tied to the fate of others and that all of society benefits from improvements in quality of life. Our success at preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters underpins our goals in education, income and health.
Disaster work always has been and will continue to be local. However, United Way Worldwide is committed to supporting members and partners as they assist their communities prepare for, respond to and recover from crises. |
 | South India Flooding
India has witnessed its worst flood catastrophe in 100 years. Heavy rains, 600% higher than normal, in the States of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have left behind a trail of death and destruction. Over 1 million people in Karnataka and around 1.7 million in Andhra Pradesh are left homeless as their houses have been partially or fully damaged. Karnataka has estimated its losses at $4 billion and Andhra Pradesh at over $2 billion. Both the death toll and the number of people rendered homeless are steadily increasing.
United Ways in India are addressing immediate needs of the flood victims, like housing, transportation and health care. United Ways have started assessing the significant long-term recovery and reconstruction needs of the communities in the flood-affected areas in partnership with local governments, service providers and other community organizations.
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| Flooding in the Philippines
Tropical Storm Ketsana, which roared across the northern Philippines on September 26, dumped more than a month's worth of rain in just 12 hours, fueling the worst flooding to hit the country in more than 40 years. The death toll currently stands at 240 people and is expected to rise. Overwhelmed officials called for international help, warning they may not have sufficient resources to withstand another storm that Weather Services warn could hit the island nation later this week. The United Way affiliate in the Philippines has earmarked emergency funds for initial relief and is raising donations for additional disaster needs and recovery initiatives. The affiliates' member companies have also pledged donations for flood response and recovery efforts.
In addition, the United Way affiliate in the Philippines is supporting the Sphere project. This initiative was developed by a group of NGOs and first responders to provide humanitarian relief packs to assist a family survive for five days. Relief packs include things like rice, sardines, mango, dried fish, cooking oil, salt, sugar, soap and a pot or blanket.
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| Flooding in Atlanta, Georgia
Torrential rain prompted flooding in and around Atlanta on September 21, 2009. United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta is working with a disaster network of more than 560 partners to support the community's first-responders and to begin planning for the short and long-term recovery of those affected.
United Way is working with its disaster network to assist first-responders; accurately assess the full scope of damages caused by the flood; and assisting in disaster volunteer management. Individuals and organizations interested in donating resources or supporting volunteer needs in the metro-Atlanta area can dial United Way Atlanta 2-1-1 at 404.614.1000. |
| Typhoon Slams Taiwan
Our colleagues in Taiwan are assisting the survivors of the devastating typhoon that killed an estimated 500 people, destroyed the homes of 7,000 families and caused agricultural and property damage in excess of $1.5 billion when it passed over the island on August 9, 2009. Reconstruction in the mountainous southern region is expected to cost $3.4 billion.
United Way Taiwan is helping damaged agencies resume services as soon as possible; collecting data on unmet needs; providing a service table at refugee shelters; training and mobilizing volunteers to assist refugees complete forms for emergency relief and housing reconstruction subsidies. Throughout this process, United Way Taiwan is screening for post-traumatic stress disorder and families with special needs and partnering with other non-governmental organizations to plan for long-term recovery and community reconstruction. |
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Featured Resources
HOW YOU CAN HELP Support United Way recovery efforts around the globe by giving to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund. Or, contact us for more information about the United Way Worldwide International Donor Advised Giving program which allows companies and individuals to recommend charitable gifts totaling $5,000 or more to non-profit organizations around the world with full U.S. legal compliance and tax benefits. |
