Philippines appeals for aid after flood

28 September 2009 | 09:12:34 PM| Source: AFP

philippines_flood_aid_L_090928_AAP_394722354

US soldiers deliver aid in the Philippines (AAP).

The Philippines has appealed for international aid as it struggled to cope with floods that killed at least 140 people and displaced nearly half a million.
  
"We are appealing for international humanitarian assistance... for (relief from) the effects of tropical storm Ketsana," Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said in a nationally televised briefing.
  
"The potential for a more serious situation is there and we cannot wait for that to happen," Teodoro said, adding that he had sent a formal letter of appeal to the UN resident coordinator to the Philippines.
  
The appeal came after President Gloria Arroyo said Ketsana had strained the country's response capabilities "to the limit."
  
Teodoro said that apart from relief goods, funding and medicine, the Philippines may also ask for international rescue teams.

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Debris causing significant problems
  
Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral said among the most immediate needs were heavy equipment to clear debris from the roads.
  
Teodoro said more wet weather was bearing down on the Philippines and could further hamper already difficult relief efforts.
  
"We cannot really leave it too long and if we wait and events prove to be correct in accordance to prediction, we may be too late," he said.

Aid response has begun
  
Ahead of the appeal, the international community had already begun mobilising aid.
  
US Navy commando teams fanned out across the flooded section of eastern Manila and rescued 52 marooned residents, including one woman in labour, as well as elderly residents and children.
  
The United States, China, Japan, Singapore and United Nations agencies also raised funds for relief work and to get the capital's health infrastructure working again.
  
Washington sent 50,000 dollars, China pitched in 10,000 dollars, while Singapore raised 30,000 dollars and a further 20,000 dollars to jumpstart a donations drive by the Red Cross.
  
Tokyo, meanwhile, said it would send 220,000 dollars' worth of relief goods to the Philippines, where rescue and emergency workers and the health infrastructure have been overwhelmed by the flooding.
  
The UN's World Health Organisation (WHO) meanwhile said those crammed into evacuation centres were at risk of water- and air-borne diseases. It also announced a 42,000-dollar relief fund.

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Your Comments

19 Oct 2009 1:51 AEST

Arlene

From: Perth

Philippines Flood Appeal

There are quite a few of us that share marivic's sentiments. We have a small group of Filipino workers who meet weekly for Bible Study and whilst we are prepared to send monetary contribution it would be great to send some blankets, clothing, canned goods especially taking advantage of sale items. Perth also is limited by distance and frequency of air/sea traffic. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

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02 Oct 2009 13:11 AEST

Donna

From: Sydney

Aid and Development Worker

Yes you can send to a great organization called Crossroads or contact them, based in HK they are working with the UN in response to disasters they work with NGO's in over 100 countries, they distribute emergency Aid and product from corporates from all the world matching giving to needs. www.crossroads.org.hk Cheers Donna

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01 Oct 2009 9:35 AEST

marivic irvine

From: queensland

philippines appeal for aid after flood

I'm a Filipino who's been here in Australia for around 3 years now. I may not have enough money to donate for the ondoy appeal, yet I'm willing to share some clothing. Can anyone tell me where I can send them? This is the only way I can be of help to those affected.

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