Residents fear storm’s impact on families, plan aid drives

Mililani resident Gloria Rom­baoa fears for her relatives who reside in the central Philippines, a region in the direct path of the strongest typhoon of the year.

"I’m worried," said Rom­baoa, whose four sisters and mother reside in the Davao region of Min­da­nao, on Thursday. "I hope it doesn’t hit them." 

Rombaoa and other Hawaii residents who have family members in the Philippines are bracing for Super Typhoon Haiyan. Meteorologists say the Category 5 storm is expected to cause significant damage, primarily to the country’s central region, including Min­da­nao and the Visa­yan islands.

"I dread to see what this will do to those islands," said Rose Cruz Churma, president and chief operating officer of the Filipino Community Center in Wai­pahu.

Soon after Rombaoa’s husband informed her Wednesday night of the powerful tropical storm, Rom­baoa immediately called her relatives and has since been in constant contact with them.

May Mizuno, wife of state Rep. John Mizuno (D, Kalihi Valley-Kame­ha­meha Heights-Lower Kalihi), whose brother, uncles and aunts reside in the eastern Visa­yans, also has been regularly checking on her relatives via phone and social media.

"It’s very scary," said Mizuno.

Mizuno, president of the Congress of Visa­yan Organizations in Hawaii, said the groups plan to hold a concert called "Kokua Philippines" on Dec. 1 in McKinley High School’s auditorium. All proceeds will benefit victims affected by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Bohol in the central Philippines last month.

Proceeds from the event will also help support victims of Super Typhoon Hai­yan.

Comedian Augie T will be among the performers at the event, to be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The organization asks for a $20 entry fee donation per person.

More relief efforts are expected to be held by the community to aid typhoon victims.