Supporting community during tragedy: Lending to borrowers in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan

Since hitting the Philippines on Friday, Typhoon Haiyan -- also known as Yolanda -- has sparked fear throughout the region of Southeast Asia. Travelling at speeds between 147 and 195 mph, the storm has hurled wind, heavy rain and lethal waves at coastal towns, claiming the lives of four people already and leaving more than 750,000 at risk.

With a current category level of 4 out of 5, Typhoon Haiyan is one of the strongest tropical cyclones on record and is steadily growing into a category 5 as it moves throughout Southeast Asia and specifically towards Vietnam.

Right now, emergency response teams within the Philippines are struggling to reach affected areas, as much of the country’s infrastructure has been severely affected. Typhoon Haiyan has made roads and communications impossible, with fallen trees and downed power lines blocking key routes.

As the storm continues to travel around the Philippines, causing substantial damage to homes and businesses, as well as jobs and health services, Typhoon Haiyan is set to have a serious and lasting impact on the entire surrounding region.