Philippines Red Cross appeals for more aid for storm victims

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Red Cross on Friday issued a preliminary appeal for P122.7 million through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for 25,000 people who have been severely affected by tropical storm “Sendong” (international name Washi).

Richard Gordon, PRC chair, described the devastation in the areas hit by the storm, particularly Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cites, as “unprecedented”

“I’ve gone through many disasters but this one is the worst as some of the survivors have lost so many family members. Some have lost as many as 30 relatives,” he said in a statement.

The Red Cross relief operation will prioritize delivering immediate life-saving aid to the worst affected families. This includes delivering food, blankets, sleeping mats, jerry cans and shelter assistance to families in the worst affected areas in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.

Gordon said the appeal will complement earlier relief efforts undertaken by PRC.

More than 600 volunteers and staff have been active in the disaster areas since the storm hit. Teams have been involved in search and rescue, as well as supporting people in evacuation centers by providing hot meals, distributing food packs and setting up first aid posts.

The Red Cross has also dispatched emergency supplies of food and non-food items for 5,000 families from Manila and Davao to the affected area.

Gordon said the humanitarian agency would also attend to the livelihoods of the people affected by the disaster have been disrupted they have lost their homes and most of their possessions.

He said the Red Cross appeal will also support 1,200 particularly vulnerable households with transitional shelter and early recovery grants to help them rebuild their homes.