Community Corner

Red Cross Connects U.S. Families to Loved Ones in Wake of Typhoon Haiyan

Organization is helping to find information on missing loved ones.

By Liz Taurasi

In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, the American Red Cross is assisting family members concerned for their loved ones affected by the tragic events in the Philippines over the weekend.

The Red Cross is accepting inquiries for relatives looking for information on missing family members following the massive storm that officials say may have killed as many as 10,000 people and left others without food, water, transportation or communication in the devastation that followed. 

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"Restoring family links is one of the fundamental parts of our mission," said American Red Cross of Massachusetts CEO Jarrett Barrios in a release issued over the weekend. "Our hearts are with those in the Philippines today beginning their first steps on the road to recovery."

According to the Red Cross, inquiries will be accepted if they meet the following criteria: 

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  • Callers have people living in the affected areas who were in regular contact with their relatives in the United States during the past 12 months prior to the disaster.

  • Family members who are not U.S. citizens.
For inquiries concerning U.S. Citizens, contact the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number can be frequently busy during the first days of a large disaster. 

To locate your local Red Cross office, go to this site and enter your ZIP code.


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