Donations to the Victims of Typhoon Yolanda

Why have some countries donated more in aid to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan than others?

 

- Looking at the aid from different countries, there is little correlation between the countries' GDP and the money they donated. Most likely, countries with high GDP donated more than the ones that have lower GDP. However, China, despite having one of the highest GDP donated only 100,000 dollars and this can be due to political conflict China and Philippines have over the Spratly islands. Some countries allied with the Philippines donate due to good political relationship they have with the Philippines and because they are in good relationship economically.

 

How does the aid being sent to victims of Typhoon Haiyan represent the following:

 

- Altruism: Many of the countries and organizations are being generous in doing what they can do to help Philippines whereas some donate in order to keep the good image from everyone else.

- Geopolitics: one anomaly shown in the donations is China, which has conflict with the Philippines over the Spratly islands donated only 100,000 dollars and this affects the image of China because almost every one will notice this anomaly resulting from conflicts.

- Neo-colonialism: U.S, having donated the highest amount to the Philippines would keep the good relationship with the Philippines and this can result in sort of pay back from the Philippines in case there is a war between U.S and another country because Philippines is located near countries that have conflicts with the U.S.

Typhoon Yolanda Hits Philippines

How does the devastation brought from Typhoon Haiyan make you feel?

- Since I have been seeing typhoon several times almost every year and the damages affect many people in different places around, I hoped that there would be less damage when I heard that Typhoon Haiyan was going to hit Philippines. After it passed by, I watched the news and saw what happened to the people in need and I felt that people who can help should do whatever they could do if that helps people who were affected.


How should people prepare for and respond to disasters like Typhoon Haiyan?

- Upon hearing the news, people should try to evacuate those in vulnerable areas in order to lessen the number of people affected. There should be organizations preparing to give goods to people who will be affected.


Why do people live in vulnerable areas?

- Some people live in vulnerable areas because they don't have enough money to live in places that are safer. Most people live in lower lands where it is vulnerable from natural calamities.