Many of San Diego County’s 180,000 Filipinos watched with worry and prayers as Typhoon Haiyan slammed into their homeland with sustained winds of nearly 200 miles per hour.
Resfina Macoy Torrevillas said several of her family members were in the path of the storm when it struck. She said she was able to text her sister Friday morning and learned they’re all okay and their houses only sustained minor damage.
"But we know that we have less fortunate members of the community who have experienced the damages and the wrath of the rain and the strong wind," said Macoy Torrevillas.
At St. Michaels Catholic Church in Paradise Hills, where most of its 3,000 members are Filipino-American, prayer services and fundraisers are planned to help in disaster areas.
"And right now we are trying to rally behind the people back home," said Manuel Ediza, pastor of St. Michael Catholic Church. "Especially since last month they were hit by a 7.2 earthquake -- they call it monster earthquake. And right now it’s the super typhoon."
The large earthquake struck the Philippines on Oct. 15. The temblor killed more than 200 people and toppled dozens of buildings.
Several San Diego groups are responding with aid to the ravaged region, including Gawad Kalinga USA, a Poway-based Filipino organization. They’re sending 200,000 food packs of rice, water and canned goods.
