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Philippines:
Red Cross Red Crescent launches emergency appeal for landslide operation 17 February 2006 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is launching a preliminary emergency appeal for 2 million Swiss francs (€1.28 million/$1.52 million USD) in order to support the emergency relief operation led by the Philippine National Red Cross in response to the landslide in Southern Leyte in central Philippines. The funds will be used to finance the purchase of cooking utensils, mosquito nets, temporary shelter materials, health and hygiene articles, water containers and purification tablets for survivors over the next six months. Recent monsoon rains in the Philippines, which is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, triggered the landslide, which occurred at 0900 local time (0100 GMT) on 17 February. The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) estimates that more than 300 homes were buried by mud and the International Federation fears that the death toll will be high since 90 per cent of the area has been affected by the landslide. The PNRC and the International Federation are responding to the disaster, which has affected a populated area of approximately 2,500 people in the affected area on the southern part of the island of Leyte. “This is one of the most remote and inaccessible regions of the country,” said the Chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross, Richard Gordon. “The mud is waist-deep in some areas and this is making it very difficult to search for survivors and get help to the injured.” The Philippines National Red Cross has a team of 14 local workers and volunteers on the ground dealing with rescue efforts and the recovery of bodies. A national headquater-based response team has also been dispatched to the affected area. Two hundred rescue workers, including volunteers from nearby provinces, have been working to dig out survivors but the search has been called off for the night due to the difficult conditions. A Hercules C-130 relief plane is flying from the capital of Manila carrying 1,000 body bags and relief supplies, including 300 blankets, 400 cartons of biscuits, rubber boots, ropes and medicine to the disaster-affected area. Earlier today, the International Federation released 200,000 Swiss francs (€128,000/$152,000 USD) from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to provide immediate support to the Philippine National Red Cross emergency operation. As the results of ongoing assessments arrive and further needs are identified, the appeal may be revised. The remote coastal area of Southern Leyte is located 670 kilometres southeast of the capital, 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. The PNRC has extensive experience in responding to the needs of people following natural disasters. This area is often hit by 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 6,000 people in 1991. 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 183 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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