Red Cross helping in typhoon effort

The American Red Cross has activated family tracing services for area residents hoping to make contact with loved ones missing in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

Orange County residents can initiate tracking cases by calling the Red Cross’ local chapter at (714) 481-5300. Concerned residents can also email the agency at sos@redcross.org.ph, or go to familylinks.icrc.org.

The Red Cross has asked Southern California residents to continue to try to reach missing family members — bearing in mind that many phone lines are still down — before initiating a tracking case.

Haiyan slammed the Philippines on Friday, devastating coastal areas and leaving a death toll that is expected to rise to 10,000 or more.

The American Red Cross is sending “limited personnel and communication aid equipment” to help in relief efforts led by the Philippine Red Cross, and will continue to monitor the situation, according to a news release.

To donate to relief efforts, go to redcross.org, call (800) REDCROSS or mail checks to the Red Cross local office at 601 N. Golden Circle Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

— Jill Cowan

Twitter: @JillCowan