PHILIPPINES/SOUTHEAST ASIA DISASTERS (updated 11/6/09)

The Red Cross is responding to Typhoons Ketsana and Parma, which affected more than 2.5 million people.

Members of the American Red Cross staff are on the ground establishing relief operations in the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Summary of material and financial support to date:

Supplies Shipped
• To aid relief efforts in the Philippines and Indonesia, we’ve tapped our pre-positioned stocks, valued at $180,000 from our Kuala Lumpur warehouse.
• 20,000 insecticide-treated bed nets
• 10,000 jerry cans
• 25,000 blankets

Financial Assistance Pledged
• Philippines & Vietnam: $450,000
• Indonesia: $400,000

PHILIPPINES

On September 26, Typhoon Ketsana hit areas of the Philippines, with heavy rains and flooding in the capital city of Manila and northern areas of the country. On September 29, the typhoon landed in central and northern Vietnam. Areas of Cambodia and Laos have also been affected. Typhoon Parma hit the Philippines on Saturday, October 3, and returned October 9 creating more flooding and landslides and killing at least 190 additional people.

Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) alerted residents to move to higher ground, performed search and rescue activities, and provided relief to those affected. Assessments were done by the government disaster agency, NDCC, and PNRC in latest flooded areas from Parma. The Philippines government reports that 343,000 people took refuge in 752 evacuation shelters. Flood waters damaged or destroyed more than 65,911 houses, as well as roads, bridges, schools and agricultural land.

Thousands of volunteers from the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) conducted search and rescue, needs assessments and provided shelter, food, relief items, psychosocial support and first aid to affected families.

To support relief efforts in the Philippines, the American Red Cross is deploying three disaster specialists, committed US $100,000 in additional support, and provided relief supplies valued at US $70,000 to meet the needs of those affected. American Red Cross has received US $500,000 through a grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance to provide support the Philippines National Red Cross response in procurement and distribution of relief supplies.

VIETNAM

The local Red Cross is helping its country recover from the worst flooding to hit the country in 45 years.

The Vietnam government reports that 10,000 people have been displaced and 173,000 homes and 500 schools have been damaged. Health facilities also experienced significant damage. As of September 30, the Vietnam government estimates damage at more than US $785 million.

More than 2,000 volunteers from the Vietnam National Red Cross assisted in evacuations and/or are providing food, water and relief supplies to those affected.

To meet needs in Vietnam, the American Red Cross has provided US $350,000 toward the appeal and has existing staff in-country assisting in the response.

INDONESIA

The Red Cross is helping Indonesians recover from two devastating earthquakes which hit West Sumatra.

The government of Indonesia announced the end of the search and rescue phase and is transitioning to the recovery phase. This includes clearing debris and rebuilding public buildings such as schools and hospitals.

Immediate relief priorities are providing food, medical care and materials to rebuild homes. The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) continues to respond, mobilizing more than 320 volunteers to deploy medical teams and distribute relief supplies in remote areas. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (International Federation) is working with PMI to coordinate the response of the global Red Cross network. It has appealed for US $18.6 million to support response activities.

The American Red Cross is providing relief supplies valued at US $400,000 to support the Red Cross response. In addition, it has received a US $500,000 grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance to to support the local procurement and distribution of relief supplies through PMI. With a number of staff on the ground in Indonesia, the American Red Cross continues to monitor the situation and if necessary, is prepared to mobilize additional support, including relief supplies, trained personnel or financial assistance.

To donate towards Philippines, Indonesia, or and Vietnam relief efforts, click here

For general information on tsunamis, click here