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SACRAMENTO–

After typhoon Haiyan roared across the Philippines, mass devastation could be seen for miles. Natives like Ailene Isleta Florento instantly thought of loved ones back home.

While her family is safe, many friends are still unaccounted for.

“I could not find them online. I tried to text them to do private messages and I have not heard back from them,” said Florento. “It is really a horrendous site to see those dead bodies on the streets covered with blankets.”

Florento’s nephew, Keane Palatino, is on the front lines in the Philippines.

While most images seen in the media come from areas hardest hit like Tacloban, Palatino is coordinating relief to remote areas in Cebu.

“These communities are really having difficulties even reaching organizations that are conducting relief operations,” said Palatino with the De la Salle Relief Operation.

Other local Filipinos are also coordinating long-term fundraising efforts.

For immediate relief, the Red Cross is still the best equipped to direct donations and re-connect people like Florento with friends she cannot find.

If you would like to help you can send a $10 donation to the Philippines through the Red Cross by texting the word “typhoon” to 80-888.