TODAY the Dorset Echo is launching an appeal to help those affected by the devastating Philippines typhoon.

We are joining forces with The Disasters Emergency Committee, which encompasses all of the UK major aid agencies, as it launches an urgent appeal for help.

The 145mph Typhoon Haiyan – said to be the strongest ever to make landfall – has rendered roads impassable and put airports out of action, hampering relief efforts, the DEC said.

It is thought that at least 10,000 people have died in Tacloban alone.

DEC chief executive Saleh Saeed said: “The destruction in Tacloban city, on the east coast, is said to be reminiscent of the Boxing Day tsunami. There is currently no food, water or electricity.

“We can only imagine how much worse the situation will be for families living in towns and remote villages.

“DEC members are doing all they can to get aid through, but they need a huge injection of funds in order to do so.”

The office covering Dorset of international charity CAFOD has also launched an urgent appeal for support for communities in the Philippines.

Simon Giarchi, CAFOD manager for Dorset, said: “What we know from our experience of dealing with these sudden disasters in Haiti, Pakistan and Mozambique in recent years is that the best way people can help is supporting the local agencies, who are there in place on the ground, ready to get relief to those in need.

“Our local partners are already operating in the worst hit areas, responding to the most immediate needs, as well as continuing to provide food and shelter to people who lost their homes in the earthquake on the island of Bohol last month.”

Group Editor of the Dorset Echo and Daily Echo Toby Granville said: “Any amount of money you can spare for this appeal can make a real difference to these people in the Philippines who are in a life or death situation.”

  • Dorchester’s Rotary clubs will be out in South Street today, Thursday and Friday collecting funds towards the Philippines appeal.

The money will go to Water Survival Box and Shelter Box.

How you can donate

  • TO make a donation, you can send a cheque made payable to ‘DEC Philippines Typhoon Appeal’ to the Dorset Echo offices at Granby Industrial Estate, Hampshire Road, Weymouth DT4 9XD; Antelope Walk, Dorchester DT1 1BE, or at the Bridport News, 67 East Street, Bridport DT6 3LB.

You can also visit dec.org.uk or call the 24 hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900, donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office or send a cheque.

You can also donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.

What your money will buy those in need:

  • £25 – Water purification tablets for ten families for a month
  • £50 – Feed a family for two weeks
  • £100 – Emergency shelter and bedding for a family