Why Making an End-of-Year Checklist Is So Important (Especially for Relief Funds)
December 29, 2024
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Typhoons rank among nature’s most destructive storms, bringing fierce winds, torrential rainfall, and flooding that can leave entire communities devastated. But what is a typhoon? Typhoons are storms formed in the western part of the North Pacific Ocean. Often, people wonder about typhoons vs. hurricane distinctions, but the difference lies only in the region where the storm develops. The mechanics are the same: a hurricane in the Atlantic is structurally identical to a typhoon in the Pacific, and the impacts can be catastrophic in both cases.
A Growing Threat in 2024 and 2025
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center projects an above-average typhoon season — which typically lasts from May to October — in 2025, with as many as 20 named storms forming by the year’s end. Preliminary data from the National Centers for Environmental Information also suggests that 2025 could see a similar or even slightly higher number of significant tropical cyclones in the Western Pacific. As typhoons grow in frequency and intensity, many communities face increased risks, especially island nations and coastal areas.
The threat typhoons pose has become evident in recent years. In 2022, there were 12 named storms, 5 of which escalated into major typhoons (Category 3 or higher), including two super typhoons (Category 5). These devastating storms caused billions of dollars in damage and claimed dozens of lives. In 2023, typhoons highlighted the vulnerability of communities in Guam, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia as there were 15 named storms and 10 major typhoons. In 2024, there were 17 named storms and 10 major typhoons. But, how are typhoons ranked and what causes typhoons to form in such alarming numbers?
Typhoons form over warm ocean waters, where evaporation and atmospheric conditions combine to trigger the birth of a tropical system. Climate researchers from the World Meteorological Organization note that warming sea surface temperatures can supercharge these storms, making what causes a typhoon a complex blend of natural patterns and human-influenced climate changes.
Notable Storms of Recent Years
- Typhoon Hinnamnor (2022): Striking Japan, the Philippines, China, Taiwan, and South Korea, Hinnamnor caused an estimated $1.2 billion in damage and took at least 12 lives.
- Typhoon Noru (2022): Impacting the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, Noru led to widespread destruction of crops and property. The storm displaced hundreds of thousands of people and was responsible for at least 40 deaths.
- Super Typhoon Mawar (2023): Classified as a strong Category 4, Mawar hit Guam in late May 2023, knocking out power and water to most of the island’s 150,000 residents. Although no deaths were reported, the economic toll was significant.
At Emergency Assistance Foundation (EAF), we mobilized rapidly in the wake of Mawar, distributing more than $700,000 to over 1,000 affected individuals and families. Such immediate assistance highlights the value of employee relief funds and underscores the urgent need for preparedness and support.
The Importance of Employee Relief Funds
Relief funds can be a lifeline for individuals and families reeling from typhoon damage. By establishing an employee relief fund for your company in advance of these disasters, organizations and employers can step in immediately after a storm to assist those who need help the most. Third-party relief fund administrators, like Emergency Assistance Foundation, specialize in administrating employee relief funds and distributing financial aid in the aftermath of disasters.
In regions particularly prone to storms, these funds are crucial. When infrastructure collapses, power grids fail, or water becomes scarce, a grant from an employee relief fund can assist with the costs of emergency lodging and basic necessities. This level of preparedness can improve long-term resilience, ensuring your team members can recover faster and return to normalcy sooner.
Preparing for Typhoons
Individuals and businesses alike must stay informed about how to prepare for a typhoon and take proactive steps. Here are a few essential measures:
- Create an Emergency Plan: Map out evacuation routes, identify meeting points, and store emergency phone numbers.
- Assemble Disaster Kits: Stock up on non-perishable foods, water, flashlights, and medical supplies.
- Secure Property: Reinforce doors and windows, clear gutters, and ensure that roofs can withstand high winds.
- Stay Informed: Follow local advisories and maintain a typhoon watch through reliable sources such as the Joint Typhoon Warning Center or local meteorological agencies.
How Establishing a Relief Fund With EAF in 2025 Can Help Your Organization Support Employees in Need
If you’re interested in making sure your team members are taken care of, but are unsure about how to launch an employee relief fund, we’re here to help!
In the aftermath of severe weather, a disaster, or personal hardship, your organization needs the ability to help impacted team members rebuild and recover from the potentially devastating impact. A relief fund can boost morale and allow your employees to donate and contribute directly to the support of fellow team members. Establishing a relief fund can alleviate the stress that disasters and hardship put on those within your organization and allow them to stay focused on recovering from the event.
If your organization is interested in launching a relief fund, consider establishing a fund with EAF today. As a financial first responder, we’re resourceful and fearless in ensuring that financial assistance reaches individuals in need, no matter the unique circumstances involved.
By establishing a fund with us today, your organization can assist members of your team affected by natural disasters and other hardships. Relief fund grants can help impacted individuals pull through difficult times and start on the path toward recovery. If you’d like to learn more about how your organization can help your team during crises, you can review additional information about how a fund works or contact us today. We look forward to helping you make a difference for those who need it most!
