Fans in the Philippines of K-pop superstars BTS have raised nearly P200,000 as relief funds to help families and communities affected by typhoon “Odette.”
“Odette” left widespread destruction in the Philippines, flattening houses, destroying agriculture and infrastructure, and killed at least 177 people.
According to a report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Dec. 22, 177 people died, 275 were injured and 38 are missing because of “Odette.”
The deadly typhoon made landfalls in the Philippines in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte; Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands; Liloan, Southern Leyte; Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte; Pres Carlos Garcia, Bohol; Bien Unido, Bohol; Carcar, Cebu; La Libertad, Negros Oriental and Roxas, Palawan from Dec. 16 to 17, according to NDRRMC.
It said 1.38 million people were affected by the typhoon in 3,473 barangays in the country. “Odette” damaged 15,618 houses, P323.25 million worth of agriculture and P227.1 million worth of infrastructure.
In response, the BTS ARMY Cavite Fanbase launched the “December with Luv: BTS ARMY Donation Drive” to raise money for people affected by typhoon “Odette.”
As of 12:25 PM of Dec. 22, the fanbase has raised P198,675.44 with more donations expected to come in.
According to the fanbase, the assistance will be given to Arevalo, Iloilo; Cebu City; Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental; Libagon, Southern Leyte; Ubay, Bohol; Palawan; and Negros Occidental.
BTS ARMYs will be giving canned goods, noodles, rice, gallons/bottled water to the affected areas.
Last April, BTS ARMY Cavite Fanbase established two community pantries in Dasmariñas, Cavite to help people in need amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
To donate for the typhoon “Odette” donation drive, go to https://twitter.com/army_cavite.