NZ Red Cross:$25k to Philippines flood effort

NZ Red Cross giving $25,000 to assist flooded Philippines

With more than 1000 people in the Philippines feared dead as a result of floods and landslides, and the country being battered by Typhoon Nanmadol, New Zealand Red Cross has announced today it will give $25,000 to provide clean water and relief supplies to survivors.

More than 800,000 people have been affected by the floods and landslides. Many communities have been submerged by floodwaters and landslides.

New Zealand Red Cross Director General Flora Gilkison said today that relief operations were being hampered by the arrival of Nanmadol, the most powerful typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.

Many areas had no safe drinking water and it was essential to get supplies in to those areas to prevent the outbreak of water-borne disease, Mrs Gilkison said.

The International Red Cross has launched an appeal for 2 million Swiss francs and has deployed disaster response teams to rescue and evacuate affected families, provide first aid and immediate relief assistance, and offer psychosocial support.
“The needs in the affected communities are great,” Mrs Gilkison said. “Initial support will focus on providing emergency food items, basic household supplies, including cooking equipment, mosquito nets and blankets.”

The International Red Cross will also provide construction materials to rebuild homes, basic health and hygiene kits, water purification tablets and mobile health services to provide basic health care.

$20 donations to the appeal can be made by phoning 0900 31 100.

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