On Nov-8 Super Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) raced through the Central Philippines. With sustained winds of over 300 kph this may be one of the strongest Typhoons in history and it left a trace of death and destruction. The areas most badly hit are Samar and Leyte with the city of Tacloban in particular.

The eye of the storm enter the Philippines over Guiuan and then pased south of Tacloban, along the northern tip of Cebu, Roxas City and south of Mindoro back out to Sea. Samar and Leyte bore the brunt of the full fury of the storm and Tacloban was hit by a stormsurge that reached five meters in some areas. Tacloban and surroundings are almost totally destroyed and the scenes remind international relief workers of the Asian Tsunami. Nobody dears to make any prediction on the number of casualties as most areas cannot be reached and are without communications.

The areas affected are also the areas where most of Avior Seafarers are from and at present a crisis team has been formed to try and contact families of those on board. The first priority is to see if all families are safe and then establish of any assistance will be needed.

Avior is also facilitating emergency allotments and accepting donations in cash and kind towards the relief effort. One Principal has already confirmed they wish to set up an emergency fund for the Seafarers badly affected.

DONATIONS

For those on board or Principals who wish to donate to the relief effort they can do so via AVIOR MARINE INC or direct to local organizations. We suggest the following organizations who are deeply involved in the relief effort but are willing to discuss/assist in facilitating donations to any other beneficiaries.

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS
Bank Name : Banco de Oro
Bank Account No : 10-453-0039482 (US Dollar Account)
Bank Account Name : Philippine Red Cross
SWIFT : BNORPHMM

ABS-CBN FOUNDATION :“SAGIP KAPAMILYA
Bank Name: BANCO DE ORO
Bank Account No: 393-008-1622
Bank Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. - Sagip Kapamilya
Branch:Sct. Albano, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Swift Code: BNORPHMM
Within Avior Marine Inc a drop off point has been  created for goods and food which will be send to ABS-CBN FOUNDATION SAGIP KAPAMILYA for consolidation and transport/redistribution to affected areas.

We realize that the coming days/weeks will be full of uncertainty for some on board. Rest be assured we will continue our effort to contact families and assist Seafarers as best as we can. The resilience of those in the affected area has been an inspiration to us all and many around the world.