Flooding and Landslides Devastate Philippines; American Red Cross Ready to Assist

American Red Cross
Wednesday, 24 December 2003

A week of torrential rains and flooding followed by substantial landslides have enveloped the Philippine islands of Mindanao and Leyte, causing widespread damage, evacuation and at least 94 deaths. About 60,000 people in the Philippines have been affected, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation).

A Philippine Red Cross emergency response assessment team is scheduled to arrive today to the affected areas to survey the damage and assess the needs. In addition, the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) is providing food, shelter, blankets, cooking pots and water containers to affected families.

As heavy rains and strong winds hampered rescue efforts, Philippines President Gloria Arroyo asked the United States to help. The U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) provided US $50,000 to assist the PNRC and has sent a representative to the affected area to consider possible additional relief assistance.

Red Cross partners throughout the world are offering assistance to the PNRC and other organizations responding to the crisis. The American Red Cross International Disaster Response Unit continues to monitor the situation and is ready to assist if necessary. In addition, the Federation is on standby to issue an appeal for assistance if needed.

As part of the world's largest humanitarian network, the American Red Cross alleviates the suffering of victims of war, disaster and other international emergencies, and works with other Red Cross societies to improve chronic, life-threatening conditions in developing nations. We reconnect families separated by emergencies and educate the American public about international humanitarian law. This assistance is made possible through the generosity of the American public.

For more information, or to contact American Red Cross, see their website at: www.redcross.org