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Philippines:
Red Cross Red Crescent releases emergency funds to assist landslide
operation 18 February 2006 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has released 200,000 Swiss francs (€128,000 / $152,000 USD) from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund to provide assistance to the victims of the landslide in Southern Leyte in central Philippines. The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) and the International Federation are responding to the disaster, which has affected a populated area of approximately 1,500 to 2,000 people in the area of St Bernard on the southern part of the island of Leyte. The Philippines National Red Cross has 14 people on the ground dealing with rescue efforts and the recovery of bodies. More staff and trained volunteers are being sent to the region, along with dog rescue teams. “The situation is very serious and the location of the village of Guinsaugon presents a major logistical challenge in getting help to the survivors and transporting injured people,” said the head of the PNRC’s disaster management division, Raoul Garganera. A relief plane is flying from the capital of Manila carrying 1,000 body bags, emergency trauma kits to help 1,000 people, rubber boots, ropes, clothing, flashlights, and medicine. The International Federation fears that the death toll will be high since 90 per cent of the area has been affected by the landslide, which was caused by heavy rains over the past two weeks. The remote coastal area of Southern Leyte is located about 2.5 hours southeast of the capital of Manila and is heavily forested with coconut trees. They have shallow roots, which can be easily dislodged after heavy rains causing the land to become unstable. This area is a disaster-prone region which is often hit by monsoons, floods and heavy rains. In 2004 a series of typhoons killed 1,750 people and injured a further 750 people. A landslide in Southern Leyte killed up to 200 people in 2003. The Philippine National Red Cross has 84 chapters and nine subchapters. At present, total membership is estimated at around 7 million. The PNRC has extensive experience in responding to the needs of people following natural disasters. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: In Manila: Gina Virtusio, Information Officer, Tel: + 63 917 965 8688 / + 63 918 227 9022 In Geneva: Anna Nelson, Information Officer, Tel: + 41 22 730 4381 / + 41 79 724 20 46 Sian Bowen, Manager, Media Unit, Tel: + 41 22 730 4428 / + 41 79 217 33 88 Duty phone (out of hours), Tel: + 41 79 416 3881 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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