Typhoon Relief - Siargao Island, Philippines

What's happened?

On Thursday 16th December 2021, Siargao Island in the Philippines bore the full force of Super-Typhoon Odette (also known as Typhoon Rai). This brought winds in excess of 200kph (~125mph) along with torrential rain which has devastated this small island community.

All funds raised here will go directly to the local residents of Siargao, Crowdfunder are taking no fees and we guarantee that every penny goes where it's needed.

Please give generously, people have literally lost everything.

How are we helping?

We're in contact with a very close friend who is an ex-resident of the island, he has travelled hundreds of miles, procured boats & emergency supplies and is currently on his way to Siargao with initial aid. We will be supporting him financially with urgent supplies and with whatever is needed as we learn more about the situation.

We have close connections with the island's residents & expats and have direct links to people on the ground on the island. Right now the focus is on delivering food, water & medical supplies to those that need it. 

Within the next few days we expect to be focussing more on what comes next. Every town & village on the island has been decimated by the typhoon, people have lost homes, belongings, livelihoods and more. All funds raised by this Crowdfunder will be sent directly to those on the frontline to distribute to the residents that need it most, to help with rebuilding their lives.

Why donate here?

Whilst many aid agencies are already fundraising in relation to this typhoon, our experience of aid in the Philippines (having been there in person for 2 previous, but less devastating, typhoons) is that aid often doesn't reach those that need it most.

Whilst we would never discourage anyone from donating in any way, sometimes corruption and mismanagement in the Philippines mean that the people who really need the help to rebuild their lives, are left waiting.

In 2013, Super-Typhoon Yolanda (known internationally as Typhoon Haiyan) struck the same area of the Philippines whilst the Big Green Surf School crew were in Siargao. Luckily Siargao itself was spared this level of devastation, however other islands such as Samar were less lucky and are still suffering 8 years later.

We guarantee that every single penny raised will go to the local residents of Siargao to help them rebuild their homes and their livelihoods.

How bad is it?

We'll keep posting updates as more news emerges, however here's what we know so far:

• Loss of life appears to have been limited, however lack of clean water, food & shelter, as well as sanitation issues, mean that this is the first priority.
• Every building or structure has suffered some form of damage, concrete buildings fared better but many still lost roofs/windows, however the majority of buildings and homes on the island were wooden and completely destroyed.
• Communication with the island went out on Thursday morning GMT, this has not yet been restored, however we believe that Satellite Phone communications should be set up soon.
• This is the wet-season in Siargao and as such shelter is paramount for everyone there.
• All local infrastructure, power, water, sanitation, communications etc have been damaged and are currently inoperable.