San Diego's Filipino community is reaching out to help the island nation deal with another killer typhoon.
About one million people left their homes as Tropical Storm Hagupit, which was downgraded from a typhoon Monday, washed over the Philippines this weekend.
The storm created a thirst for information here in San Diego. The city is home to a estimated 200,000 people with ties to the South Pacific country.
"We're all looking for ways to get back in touch with folks who do have family out there and see what the extent of any damage is," said San Diego City Councilman-elect Chris Cate, who is Filipino-American.
Cate said he understands that people are trying to help, but said he wants them to be cautious of scammers.
"We want to make sure that the dollars are getting specifically to the Philippines," Cate said. "So that's what we're trying to make sure of and that's what everyone is targeting for."
Cate is urging people who want to donate money to seek out credible groups like Gawad Kalinga.
The Poway-based group was active in relief efforts when another large storm hit the Philippines last year.
