Relief for the Phillipines

Because of the catastrophic natural disaster, Hurricane Haiyan, that destroyed much of the Pacific Islands, such as the Philippines, food and water has become the top concern next to the rising toll of casualties. According to CNN, airports have been ruined and traveling the roads is next to impossible.

As a personal brainstorming process, I would say that money should be spent on high protein and high nutrient food products, water purifiers, and transportation. Purifiers are more practical than carrying large water jugs because they weigh much less. Because airports and roads are not traversable, I would think that ships could be of use. They are able to anchor out in the deeper waters, and require smaller boats to get to shore.

Donations can't just be made directly to the Filipinos; the money has got to be sent to well trained and equipped charities that specifically work with disaster relief. For example, UNICEF is pairing up with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to help the affected people of the area. According to UNICEF's home website, different donation amounts help pay for different costly supplies. I noticed the website said an $80 donation can allow for 24 mosquito nets.

I'm not quite sure I can come up with a new and improved invention for disaster relief, but I do really like the idea of the personal straw water purifier. They run about $15-20 each and allow for someone in need to drink directly from any water source without getting sick!