Response to Typhoon Appeal from Mercy Health Australia (ISMAPNG)

During the past five days the world has watched as one of the worst typhoons in history has caused catastrophic destruction to some of Australia’s northern neighbours.

Reports have indicated that about 10,000 people have lost their lives in the Philippines as Typhoon Haiyan now makes its way through Vietnam. Buildings have been flattened by powerful winds and giant waves and more than nine million people have been affected by the natural disaster.

Some of the worst hit areas have been the towns of Leyte and Tacloban, where Sr Helen Monkivitch visited in April 2011 to support the work of a fellow Mercy ministry. It is understood the typhoon has caused devastating destruction to a Sisters of Mercy school and the Mother of Mercy Hospital in Tacloban City. Those affected are without food and other essentials.

I believe I can speak for us all in saying the victims of Typhoon Haiyan are in our thoughts and prayers. I extend these thoughts and prayers especially to Mercy Health staff, patients, clients and residents who presently have loved ones in the Southeast Asian region.

Opportunities for Mercy Health staff to donate to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan will soon be made available. To learn more about this tragic disaster visit oxfam.org.au.

I take this opportunity to remind all staff that Mercy Health’s Employee Assistance Program provides free, confidential counselling to all Mercy Health employees and immediate family members.
Please call 1300 361 008 for further information.

Stephen Cornelissen
Chief Executive Officer
Mercy Health
12 November 2013

Image: Sr Helen (third from left) with Sisters in Tacloban in 2012