Pope tweets prayers; US sends ships, planes

MANILA, Philippines - Pope Francis, Hollywood stars and other newsmakers worldwide have expressed their love, prayers and support for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

As reports about the monster typhoon began coming out last Saturday, Pope Francis took to his Twitter account to urge the public to pray for all the typhoon victims. “@Pontifex: I ask all of you to join me in prayer for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda especially those in the beloved islands of the Philippines.”

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel also responded immediately to a request from the Philippine government and directed the United States Pacific Command to deploy ships and aircraft to support search-and-rescue operations and airlift emergency supplies.

“US is committing air and naval assets to assist in maritime search and rescue, and provide additional lift capability to the Philippine government,” the Philippine embassy in Washington said on its Twitter account.

Various personalities as well as those with ties to the Philippines used their social-media influence to encourage people to donate and help out in whatever way they can.

The 2013 NBA champions Miami Heat, led by coach Erik Spoelstra, extended their condolences to all the victims of Yolanda on their website: “We value the many fans we have over there, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”

Indiana Pacers’ general manager Kevin Pritchard tweets, “I’m watching the Philippines and I’m wondering - what’s the best charity to give to help them directly. They are the friendliest people.”

To which, NBA Cares, the league’s global community outreach initiative posted details on how people can send their donation. “@NBA: Our thoughts and prayers are with those most impacted by the typhoon that has devastated parts of the Philippines. Please join the NBA Cares Family in support of UNICEF, World Vision, Red Cross and other organization who are mobilizing to aid communities and people suffering from this tragedy.”

Meanwhile, Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and Cheryl Burke urge their fans to show their support for the typhoon victims though Red Cross channel.

“@TomCruise: TeamTC send our sends our thoughts and support to the people of the Philippines suffering through Typhoon Haiyan @RedCross.”

“@CherylBurke: Praying 4 my family & others in the Philippines RT @philredcross Filipino Spirit is stronger than a typhoon #StrongerPH”

Colombian fashion critic and Project Runway judge Nina Garcia said the public can send help through the World Food Program channel. “@ninagarcia: Millions of families in the #Philippines need your help now. Donate now to @WFP food relief @WFPUSA.”

X-Men: First Class actor, Kevin Bacon posted a link from netowrkforgood.org where charities like Americares, Save the children and ShelterBox have put up facilities to receive donations. “@kevinbacon: Please help, join me to support Typhoon #Haiyan relief”

21 Jump Street actress, Holly Robinson Peete urged the public to help Filipino kids in the Visayas. “@hollypeete: Please RT. Help kids in the Philippines affected by #Haiyan. Make a $10 donation to @UNICEFUSA by texting “RELIEF” to 864233.”

Artists like Josh Groban, Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, Sara Bareilles, David Archuleta, Jessica Sanchez, including Taiwanese star Ken Chu of F4 and K-Pop celeb Lee Min Ho have also expressed their heartfelt sympathies.

“@joshgroban: My heart is heavy for the people of the Philippines tonight. Devastating.”

“@PatrickStump: Love to the Philippines.”

“@Sarabareilles: Sending love to the Philippines. Tragic, powerful typhoon and major loss of life. Keeping that entire region in prayers. #Philippines.”

“@David Archuleta Prayers for our friends in the Philippines and all the areas being affected by Typhoon Haiyan. (Team Archie).”

“@JessicaESanchez: I am praying for the Philippines and all my Filipino Blujays this morning in the wake of this horrendous storm! Be safe and stay strong!”

“@LeeMinHo: I heard that there was great damage done by typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. I hope everyone is safe now. Please don’t lose faith. We’re thinking of you from Korea.”

“@kenzhuxiatian: The Philippines never let any calamities drag them down instead they face it with a smile. How they do that?... The Philippines has been my home for days-weeks when I was filming a movie. Such a genuine and hospitable people.”