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American Red Cross strengthens relief efforts after Typhoon Durian hits Philippines
Shilpika Das, Special to RedCross.org
Monday, December 04, 2006 — At least 400 people were killed and nearly one million severely affected after the northern islands of the Philippines were battered by Typhoon Durian, a super-typhoon that made landfall on Nov. 30, 2006. Torrential rains and strong winds slammed the region at 190 miles per hour and, according to news reports, caused ash and boulders from a nearby volcano to swamp villages around its base, and unleashed floodwaters of up to 10 feet in some areas. Initial reports indicate more than 400 people are still missing and 700,000 have been rendered homeless. More than 90,000 people were evacuated from southern Vietnam, ahead of Typhoon Durian, which hit the country on Monday.
Responding immediately to the disaster, the American Red Cross has deployed two relief workers, one of which was posted in the Philippines to support coordination of relief operations for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation), following earlier typhoons. The second relief worker, deployed from Houston on Monday, will serve on the Field Assessment Coordination Team of the Federation.
“Typhoon Durian is the fourth major typhoon to hit the area in [since September] and residents of Philippines have had no respite – slammed with one typhoon after another,” says Brigitte Gaillis, Operations Coordinator for the International Federation in the Philippines. “The people here are completely devastated. It is a very challenging situation.”
The American Red Cross also had contributed nearly $240,000 (USD), to date, for typhoon relief in the Philippines and may increase its assistance – including financial contributions, provision of personnel, supplies, technical assistance and tracing services – over the coming days. Immediate needs include blankets, food and drinking water, construction materials as well as medical teams.
The American Red Cross is supporting the efforts of the Philippine National Red Cross Society (PRNC), who were among the first responders to this disaster. The PNRC has deployed two assessment teams by road to assess damages and needs in affected areas. The teams include experts in logistics, relief distribution, psychosocial support, water and sanitation. Additionally, a PNRC ten-member team, equipped with rubber boats, was sent in to flooded areas to staff a first aid station and conduct rescue operations.
The Federation, which is closely monitoring the situation, has released $ 83,300 (USD) from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund and has revised its preliminary appeal to over $7 million (USD) to address the damage caused by the recent typhoons. It is also deploying two disaster response and assessment teams to support the PNRC emergency operation.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated on Dec. 6, 2006, to correct the quote given by Brigitte Gaillis.
You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.
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