Northern Nevada students and others joined for "Walk for Philippines Typhoon Victims", starting at University of Nevada-Reno (UNR) in USA on November 24 in support of the victims of deadly super-typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), one of the most powerful ever recorded on land.
Organized by GienieMae Camacho Oquendo, who heads the "Nevadans Helping Philippines Typhoon Victims", and backed by distinguished religious statesman Rajan Zed, various campus and outside-campus organizations supported this “Walk” effort, which went from Joe Crowley Student Union at UNR campus to Reno Arch on Virginia Street and back.
“Walk” organizers reached out for contributions to help the victims. A Condolence Book was opened for the public to sign at the start of the “Walk”, which began with lighting a lamp and invocation by Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, which included Gayatri Mantra, considered most sacred mantra of Hinduism.
Rajan Zed, speaking on the occasion, urged public to wholeheartedly support the victims as the need was massive and immediate. World was standing with the Philippines at this hour of tragedy. At Zed’s urging, gathering chanted: Philippines, we stand with you. Daniel R. Sanchez, President of Interfaith Students Club of UNR, also spoke.
Rajan Zed, speaking on the occasion, urged public to wholeheartedly support the victims as the need was massive and immediate. World was standing with the Philippines at this hour of tragedy. At Zed’s urging, gathering chanted: Philippines, we stand with you. Daniel R. Sanchez, President of Interfaith Students Club of UNR, also spoke.
About a dozen relatives of Oquendo; who was born in Sapian in Capiz province of Philippines, which is part of the damaged area; are affected by this typhoon. Until recently, she was a Senator in Student Government of Truckee Meadows Community College; and now she is a freshman at UNR, aiming at accounting major.
Thousands of people are reported dead and injured and houses damaged by this typhoon in central Philippines which brought winds up to 195 mph and which has been declared a national calamity. It has affected millions of people, making many homeless, and costing damage worth many billions. Reports add that in some cities/towns, 90% of housing has been destroyed with this typhoon, which struck November eight and left a trail of devastation and brought waves as high as 45 feet. Some islands are completely flattened and reduced to piles of debris. This region was still reeling from the Bohol earthquake in October and Haiyan’s impact could slow the entire Philippines economy.
By:IANS