Californians please donate goods to aid the Philippines with FREE shipping

[nancyk58]

Hi, I thought that it might be a good idea to post this here as well so that people donating or thinking of donating can get an update of what has been going on and what is done by an international organization like Red Cross to help / relieve the victims of the natural disasters.

 

On Sunday, 4 October 2009 Danish Red Cross has its annual collection 2009. The money collected goes to victims of disasters around the world - and to help vulnerable people in Denmark.

 

News from the Danish Red Cross (http://www.drk.dk) - Created on 4th October 2009.

 

In the week up to the collection on 4 October 2009, ASIA was hit by three major natural disasters.

Three disasters in one week:

 

• A typhoon ravaged the PHILIPPINES and Vietnam with major flooding.

 

• A tsunami rushed over the Samoa and Tonga islands and leveled entire towns with the ground.

 

• Two earthquakes struck Sumatra in Indonesia and buried thousands of people under collapsed buildings.

 

"Although we already have sent 1.5 million Danish Kroner, we will also need money from the collection to help people back on their feet after the disasters in ASIA. We are therefore extremely pleased that, today so many people chose to defy the wind and collect money in favour of Danish Red Cross's work," says Secretary General Anders Ladekarl.

 

Help for lone refugee children in Denmark

Part of the money from the collection also goes to the great work - done by the Danish Red Cross's more than 20,000 volunteers - with vulnerable people in Denmark. At present many refugee children come to Denmark without their families. Some of the children - most of them from Afghanistan - will obtain a residence permit. But often they are completely alone in a foreign country far away from their parents and need support in terms of adults and families to help them start a meaningful life in Denmark.

 

270,000 trapped in squalid conditions in Sri Lanka

This year's collection also supports the 270,000 Tamils trapped in primitive camps in Sri Lanka. After the Tamil Tigers lost a protracted civil war in the spring, the government interned 270,000 Tamils in large, squalid camps, where 170 people have to share one latrine. The government of Sri Lanka denies journalists access to the large camps thus cutting these camps off from the outside world. Therefore, people in these camps suffer in silence.

 

West Africa is under water

Finally, money from the collection goes to help the roughly 600,000 people who suffer from severe flooding in western Africa. There is virtually no focus on these people's fate, but the Danish Red Cross has sent relief workers to the area and helps with both emergency and long-term health projects.

 

I just received a SMS from the Danish Red Cross with the result of Danish Red Cross's collection 2009:

"With a total profit of 16.5 million. kr, you have helped to give hope to vulnerable and disadvantaged at home and abroad. Thanks for that.

 

Tomorrow morning (= Monday), we will send money to the victims of the current disasters in Asia.

 

Thank you for your efforts! We hope to see you again next year.

Many greetings

Anders Ladekarl

Secretary General, Danish Red Cross

____

I had a nice day collecting money for Danish Red Cross. Most people were nice and willing to contribute to Danish Red Cross's relief work in favour of the many victims of the natural disasters. And the result of the collection was quite satisfactory.

 

Any news?

[nancyk58]

16.5 million kroner to the Danish Red Cross

 

05-10-2009 07:21

 

Danes defying wind and rain to collect money in favour of the Red Cross and this organisation’s relief work. And the result is not bad. Many Danes staying at home to enjoy their Sunday gave a contribution.

 

"We end up with a total profit equal to 16.5 million Danish Kroner - and that is slightly better than last year's result. We are incredibly happy in the light of the economic crisis," says Secretary General Anders Ladekarl in a statement.

 

"The Danes have shown that they have the energy to help others. With today's performance we can bring hope and help to people needing a hand to get on with their lives," says Anders Ladekarl.

 

Money from the Sunday collection goes to the Red Cross's major international relief work - and work among vulnerable categories of people in Denmark.

 

/ Ritzau /

 

http://borsen.dk/nyhed/167170/newsfeeds_rss/ :)

 

Re: Red Cross's major international relief work - the Secretary General is talking about relief work in the areas affected by the typhoon (such as the PHILIPPINES and Vietnam), by the tsunami (Tonga and the Samoa islands) and earthquakes (mainly Sumatra that was hit twice in a few days).

[nancyk58]

Californians please donate to aid to the Philippines

 

I was able to find some news on the Red Cross, Philippines' website.

 

More news from the Danish news media (haven't got the link) dated 3/10-09:

 

Typhoon "Parma" devastates the Philippines

After a week of floods and violent destruction a new typhoon built up in the Philippines. Last week 288 people from the Philippines died after the typhoon "Ketsana" hit the country.

Now another typhoon named "Parma" hits the northern part of the country.

Parma has toppled trees and electricity pylons, but according to the news agency AP as yet there has been no reports of casualties. "Parma" has in particular hit the northern province of Cagayan.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the authorities still having the typhoon "Ketsana" in mind. "Ketsana" caused the worst floods in 40 years in the Philippines, writes the news agency AP.

 

Manila is still under water

Yesterday Parma changed direction and moved to the north, so that the capital Manila was only touched upon.

At several locations in Manila the water is still up in the streets at breast height.

Instead, Parma went beyond its northern regions, where a spokesman for the local authorities hopes that the devastation will not be as dramatic as last week.

"We pray that we do not have a worse outcome, but in this situation we cannot be really safe," said Bonifacio Cuarteros to the news agency AP.

 

"Parma" on the way to Taiwan

"Parma" brought heavy rain and winds measured at 175 km / h, says the National Weather Service. They warn against mudslides and floods in the northern part of the country.

The storm is now heading towards Taiwan, where the authorities have begun to evacuate people in the southern part of the country.

Last week 1500 died in Southeast Asia, where earthquakes have hit Indonesia and the typhoon" Ketsana" hit the Philippines and Vietnam.

 

Other news items:

 

80 percent of Manila under water

 

New typhoon affects the Philippines

Posted by: admin: Category: Asia, environment

After the typhoon "Ketsana" aka. "Ondoy" last week hit the Philippines, this area is now hit again. This time it's a "super" typhoon called "Parma" (or "Pepeng"). Now, however, the government issues warnings all the time. Not like last week, when there was no warning of the typhoon "Ketsana" which made thousands homeless and killed about 300 people. Many persons are still in rescue centres, and there has been no school this whole week. Parma, however, hits the north of Manila. This means that the Capital gets off "lightly" this time, but the northern part of the Philippines has been hit hard.

Related posts:

Typhoon ravaging Asia - For the last 2 weeks the typhoon "Morakot" has ravaged the Philippines

Earthquake affects Indonesia - A 6.9 earthquake hit western Indonesia at 08:52 pm local time

Tsunami affects Samoa - An 8.0 earthquake struck Samoa yesterday and shortly after was

[Tonsu]

Thanks so much for the updates nancy, it still sounds absolutely terrible out there :(

 

But, what an incredible collection by the Red Cross in Denmark - well done indeed!! :)

[sp★rkle]

Californians!

 

Knock knock :nice:

[nancyk58]

Californians please donate to aid the Philippines

 

An update of the situation in the Philippines and an overview of PNRCs activities since the typhoon(s) struck:

 

News from the PNRC = Philippine National Red Cross

 

Link = http://www.redcross.org.ph/Site/PNRC/Home.aspx?ID=I,1469,P,-1&SS=P&ShowP=2

 

October 06, 2009:

 

Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Chairman Senator Richard Gordon and United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney today will extend help to the victims of typhoon Ondoy in Biñan, Laguna. Around 1,000 families evacuated in Barangay Casili covered court will receive food items such as rice, noodles and canned goods and non-food items such as clothes and blankets. “We chose Laguna this time since many families, especially those who live near Laguna De Bay, were badly affected by the onslaught brought by typhoon Ondoy. We will start to give relief goods in Biñan, Laguna since large number of families were evacuated here,” said Gordon..

 

Gordon and Kenney also intend to conduct ocular survey and assessment of flooded areas in Laguna to evaluate other needs of affected communities with regard to post-disaster recovery. ”We will also visit other areas in order for us to assess the major needs of the communities affected. And based on our assessment, we will come up with appropriate actions to help communities in Laguna which are greatly affected,” said Gordon.

 

Meanwhile, Gordon extended his gratitude to the support of the U.S. government through Ambassador Kenney to help thousands of families affected by Ondoy. I am very elated that Ambassador Kristie Kenney is one with the PNRC through out this crisis. I believe that this will be the start of a lasting partnership between U.S. and PNRC to help us live up to our mission to alleviate human suffering,” he said.

 

As of October 5, PNRC Operation Center accounted more than 15,600 families were housed in different evacuation centers in Laguna. 7,023 families were in 11 evacuation centers in Biñan Laguna.

 

Meanwhile, PNRC San Pablo City Laguna Chapter conducted medical mission in Barangay Cuyab San Pedro, Laguna in collaboration with its donor agency together with the volunteers.

 

Majority of families affected by Typhoon Ondoy in Laguna is still in the evacuation centers. There is an increasing number of evacuees in some evacuation centers and some diseases like flu, cough and diarrhea were already arising.

 

October 05, 2009

Social workers from the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Social Services department conducted psychosocial support to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy in Metro Manila to avoid post-traumatic disorder triggered by their experience.

 

October 05, 2009

The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Community Health and Nursing Services takes the lead in promoting proper hygiene and health education on evacuation centers in Rizal, Quezon City and Taguig where diseases are most likely to spread easily.

 

October 04, 2009

Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) chapter and other areas affected by typhoon Ondoy are now giving relief, conducting feeding program and assessing the needs of Filipinos hit by typhoon Ondoy in different evacuation centers.

 

September 30, 2009

The Philippine National Red Cross mobilized today hundreds of its 143 volunteers to meet the needs of thousands of people who were affected of the flooding in some areas in Metro Manila caused by Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana).

 

September 28, 2009

The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) is now continuously receiving cash and in-kind donations from good-hearted Filipinos and socially-responsible corporations and organizations to help families affected by tropical storm “Ondoy”, the PNRC Operation Center reported.

 

September 28, 2009

Staff and volunteers of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Metro Manila chapters are now in full swing in assisting affected families due to typhoon Ondoy which hit Central Luzon.

 

September 27, 2009

Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Chairman Senator Richard sent eighteen (18) rubber boats and one (1) aluminum boat to the affected areas in Manila, the PNRC Operation Center reported.

 

September 26, 2009

The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) today deployed three (3) Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) Teams to rescue the stranded commuters and affected families due to heavy rains caused by tropical storm Ondoy, the PNRC Operation Center reported.

 

September 26, 2009

Tropical Storm “Ondoy” has accelerated further as it moves closer to Central Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near center and gustiness of up to 100 kilometer per hour, the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Operation Center reported.

 

IOSHI - I hope that you're alright and not giving up hope - you are doing such a tremendous job - so don't give up! You - and Pete and Joe are indeed an inspiration to the rest of us. :)

[Jsalyers]

Bump!

 

Nancy thanks so much for the updates, most appreciated:nice:

 

Ok so I talked to Ioshi and she said she got a chance to talk with here friend here in Cali. She said that they place is recieving until the end of the month, so that gives plenty of time:D Ive told people about the donations and they are going to try and get it to me this coming weekend. Then I have some other people that went online to Unidef and Oxfam and donated money:)

[nancyk58]

News from American Red Cross:

 

Current Relief Operations:

Pacific Islands Tsunami

Internationall Response Efforts

Southeast Floods

Swine Flu/H1N1

 

Red Cross News

Prevent A Big Disaster Threat-House Fires (USA related)

Jumpstart to Recovery Kits en Route to American Samoa (SAMOA)

Red Cross Chief Nurse Advises Getting H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Vaccines

Red Cross Blog (volunteers reporting the relief reports etc.)

Disaster Online Newsroom (news in short form)

 

http://newsroom.redcross.org/ Seen Tuesday, 6 October 2009 at 20:30 Danish time = 19:30 UK time

 

Disaster Alert: Typhoon Parma (October 6, 2009) PHILIPPINES

Just days after a massive typhoon flooded Manila, another brought extreme winds to a rural fishing village in the north over the weekend, affecting at least 152,000 people

According to government officials (as of Oct. 6), 17 people have died

Philippine National Red Cross volunteers are providing shelter for 50,100 people in 232 evacuation centers

[Tonsu]

Any updates Joe?

[nancyk58]

I tried unsuccessfully to find new updates on the websites of Danish Red Cross, American Red Cross and Philippine National Red Cross. But on Danish Text TV (TV2 Text TV) I found these few lines and translated them into English:

 

The typhoon "Parma" ravaged Taiwan on Monday and Tuesday. Rescuers are evacuating people from areas flooded as a consequence of the typhoon. 6,582 people have been rescued from flooded villages. "Parma" is not quite as windy as it was before it hit Taiwan and ravaged the Northern part of the Philippines where 16 human lives were taken by Parma.

 

Now the typhoon Melor is on its way to Japan with winds of more than 250 km per hour.

[nancyk58]

Californians please donate goods to aid the Philippines

 

UNICEF Denmark collects money in favour of children affected by natural disasters in Asia

 

02-10-2009 -- UNICEF Denmark has launched an emergency collection of money in favour of children in South-East Asia hard hit by a series of natural disasters.

 

Earthquake in Sumatra, the tsunami in the Pacific islands of Samoa and Tonga, typhoon in the PHILIPPINES and other Asian countries. Currently, Southeast Asia is unusually hard hit by a series of natural disasters that have hit the region within a few days.

 

More than a thousand killed in the desperate situation

More than a thousand people have been killed and the number of deaths is feared to rise sharply in coming days. The situation is desperate, and hundreds of thousands of children need emergency aid.

 

Emergency assistance is dispatched from Copenhagen

UNICEF is fully engaged in relief work in all the countries concerned. Emergency aid is distributed from local stores. The first shipment of water purification tablets have already been sent off by plane from UNICEF World Warehouse in Copenhagen.

 

http://www.unicef.dk/script/site/page.asp?artid=1299

[Jsalyers]

Any updates Joe?

 

Not yet Pete, still trying to get some people involved. But im going to call Ioshis contact and ask where the store is and such and I can take all the donations there one weekend.

 

I tried unsuccessfully to find new updates on the websites of Danish Red Cross, American Red Cross and Philippine National Red Cross. But on Danish Text TV (TV2 Text TV) I found these few lines and translated them into English:

 

The typhoon "Parma" ravaged Taiwan on Monday and Tuesday. Rescuers are evacuating people from areas flooded as a consequence of the typhoon. 6,582 people have been rescued from flooded villages. "Parma" is not quite as windy as it was before it hit Taiwan and ravaged the Northern part of the Philippines where 16 human lives were taken by Parma.

 

Now the typhoon Melor is on its way to Japan with winds of more than 250 km per hour.

 

Wow now going to Japan. Cant this thing stop already:(

[nancyk58]

I consulted UNICEF's website and found this:

 

Help for victims of flooding in the Philippines

 

29-09-2009 - The devastation in the PHILIPPINES after the tropical storm Ketsana is enormous. Many thousands of children and families are on the run. UNICEF has started distributing emergency and continues its efforts and work in the coming days.

 

Assistance was out within 24 hours

Less than 24 hours after the tropical storm hit the capital Manila on 25 September, UNICEF was ready with both food and other relief to those affected. At the same time UNICEF helps the Social and Development Ministry provide temporary shelter to the many who have been forced to flee their homes.

 

More than one million affected by floods

As the tropical storm hit, the equivalent of one month's rain fell in just 12 hours. This has resulted in large parts of Manila being flooded, and more than one million people are affected by the aftermath of the storm. 226,000 people have fled their homes and are now seeking refuge in 200 evacuation centers. 24 provinces in the country are affected.

 

Shocking devastation

UNICEF's chief in the Philippines, Vanessa Tobin, has been around the capital in person to look at the devastation: "I am shocked at the degree of damage in different areas, but I am also impressed with the cooperation and generosity, which manifests itself in the city . Many have opened their homes for some of their affected country men, "says Tobin.

 

More help on the way

Vanessa Tobin said that UNICEF is already on the way with more help: "Over the next 48 hours we will, among other things distribute water purification tablets and equipment to ensure clean water and packets of the most necessary medical equipment. At the same time, we will distribute family kits containing, inter alia, blankets and soap. We will also assist the government and other organizations in seuring, that their help reaches the right people. " said Vanessa Tobin.

 

New storms expected

UNICEF is concerned for the future. The number of dead is expected to rise, and we know from experience that children and families will suffer a major health risk after flooding, when many refugees are assembled in small areas without clean water. Meanwhile, two new tropical storms are on the way to the Philippines. They are expected to hit the country Thursday and Friday.

 

http://www.unicef.dk/script/site/page.asp?artid=1299

 

Hello Joe,

 

You wonder whether this is going to stop? I hope so, but BAD NEWS:

two new tropical storms are on the way to the Philippines. They are expected to hit the country Thursday and Friday.

 

Very sad, indeed. Poor victims. I made a phone call with a contribution to Unicef Denmark today - inspired by what Ioshi wrote about many children now being new orphans as a consequence of Ketsana and Parma.

[nancyk58]

Californians please donate to aid the Philippines

 

UNICEF Denmark collects money in favour of children affected by natural disasters in Asia

 

02-10-2009 -- UNICEF Denmark has launched an emergency collection of money in favour of children in South-East Asia hard hit by a series of natural disasters.

Earthquake in Sumatra, the tsunami in the Pacific islands of Samoa and Tonga, typhoon in the PHILIPPINES and other Asian countries. Currently, Southeast Asia is unusually hard hit by a series of natural disasters that have hit the region within a few days.

 

More than a thousand killed in the desperate situation

More than a thousand people have been killed and the number of deaths is feared to rise sharply in coming days. The situation is desperate, and hundreds of thousands of children need emergency aid.

 

Emergency assistance is dispatched from Copenhagen

UNICEF is fully engaged in relief work in all the countries concerned. Emergency aid is distributed from local stores. The first shipment of water purification tablets have already been sent off by plane from UNICEF World Warehouse in Copenhagen.

[nancyk58]

Californians please donate goods to aid the Philippines

 

Latest news from Danish Red Cross

Four million dollars for earthquake victims Danish Red Cross has just received four million dollars from DANIDA to earthquake victims in Indonesia. Edited 8 October 2009 by Julie Lorenzen

 

Male collected money for Danish Red Cross

For 12 hours Kenneth Wichmann went a distance of 57 km collecting money for Danish Red Cross on Sunday. Edited 8 October 2009 by Julie Lorenzen

 

One can not accuse Danish Mr Kenneth Wichmann of being lazy. On Sunday 4 October, he went 57 km to collect money for Red Cross.

 

Edited on 8 October 2009 by Julie Lorenzen

 

No wonder that his legs were sore, when Kenneth Wichmann woke up Monday morning. He did not spend his Sunday on the couch, but on the Danish roads.

 

Walked for twelve hours

Kenneth Wichmann and his collegua Jan Christiansen walked from his home to his sister's house to collect money for the Danish Red Cross - it took a good 12 hours to walk the 57 kilometer. And it hurt the next day.

"It is the first time I have gone so far and I have very sore legs today (Monday Ed.)," the 42-year-old store assistant said with a grin.

 

Inspired by a TV program

A television program inspired Kenneth Wichmann to undertake the long walk: Overweight citizens are working on losing those extra pounds by walking many kilometers.

"I thought that if they can do it, then I can too. It was a few days before the Red Cross collection, and my wife said, why not collect money at the same time?

 

Well received

So Kenneth Wichmann did exactly that, and it was a really good experience.

"People were very positive about the idea, and I think they gave a little extra, because we went so far. We kept spirits high all the way - every time people gave us a contribution, we were quite "high" and got a new motivation to go further, "he says, adding that the total amount collected amounted to around DKK 1800.

 

Collected money on his birthday

The trip ended with a well-earned rest with coffee and cake at Kenneth Wichmann's sister. "We celebrated it with a bottle of champagne. The icing on the cake was that Jan had birthday - he is now 41 years old, "he says.

Ready to repeat the achievement another time

Kenneth Wichmann might do it again.

"A little crazy is what I am. And if you can do something good for others with such a crazy idea, then I go for it."

 

News from the Danish TV2 Text TV: The island / state Vanuata was hit by 3 major earthquakes reaching 7.8, 7.7 and 7.1 on the Richter scale. A tsunamy in the Pacific was expected, but later called off.

 

Norway's Text TV: Vanuatu hit by tremendous earthquake reaching 7.3 on the Richter scale (according to US Geological Survey). Coastal areas evacuated on several Pacific islands.

 

TV2 Sweden: (in addition to the contents / meaning of the above): The tsunami centre on Hawaii issued warning of possible tsunami for the southwestern Pacific incl. Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia, but after a few hours the tsunami alert was called off.

 

News from the Danish DR1 Text TV: Flooding in Japan after typhoon.

Last night a tremendous typhoon hit Japan with winds up to 150 km per hour. One man declared dead, several people wounded. Heavy rain caused rivers to overflow. Flooding. Typhoon cooled off on its way across the Northern Japan. Heavy wind will continue until tomorrow.

[sp★rkle]

Yes we are still asking for in-kind donations (clothes, blankets, canned goods, toiletries and the like). Please send me, Pete (Tonsu) or Joey (Jsalyers) a message for details. :)

[nancyk58]

Californians please donate goods to aid the Philippines

 

Update of the situation in Indonesia

 

Fears for new tragedies in Indonesia

08-10-2009 - The relief work after the earthquake in West Sumatra is acute due to the risk of disease outbreaks and exploitation of children.

Disease threatens to cause new tragedy

In Indonesia, the search for survivors in the ruins after the earthquake has now ceased, and UNICEF is now focusing on reducing the consequences for the children affected by the earthquake. The area is now characterized by very poor hygiene conditions and lack of clean water. There is a high risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases and a new tragedy is feared if this happens. UNICEF is working hard to prevent this right now and distributes water tanks, water pumps, water purification tablets and other equipment to ensure up to 50,000 families clean water and good hygiene.

 

Safety for children

The earthquake has made several children orphans, and thus they are at the risk of child labor and abuse. Many are now living with relatives and friends, and UNICEF is trying to help these children by ensuring that they do not disappear and that the proper network will be contacted.

 

Fear for the future

Many thousands of children have been traumatized as a consequence of what they have experienced. They now fear for the future. They fear for more earthquakes or for several buildings to collapse. UNICEF is trying to protect these children by giving them a life as soon as possible and, among other things, by ensuring that they come to school again as soon as possible.

 

Tents functioning as schools

Large parts of the schools in the area have been destroyed, and right now 90,000 children need help to get back to school. In Padang UNICEF is providing 250 tent schools so that children can as soon as possible resume their education and thus again have a solid and comfortable everyday life.

 

180,000 houses damaged

So far 603 people are confirmed dead, but many are still missing, so the figure could approach 1,000. In the earthquake zone up to 40 percent of the population is without electricity, and nearly 180,000 houses have been damaged. UNICEF's efforts continue, and in addition to work with clean water and schooling, work is to ensure proper nutrition and health care for the many affected children and their families.

 

http://www.unicef.dk/script/site/page.asp?print=1&Cat_ID=37&artID=1304

 

I think that both the relief organizations and volunteers such as Ioshi, Pete and Joe are doing such a great job.

 

Help them to help the Philippines. All kind of donations - small and large - are welcome. Those affected are victims of natural disasters partly caused by the way of life in the Western world. Give them a hand as we are all part of the same world.

[nancyk58]

CALIFORNIANS please donate goods to aid the Philippines with FREE shopping

 

More than 90 killed in mudslides / landslides

 

09-10-09: 06:24 | by: krja

More than 90 people have been killed by mudslides after heavy rains in the mountainous northern Philippines.

69 killed in the Benguet province when mudslides struck five different towns in the night, said provincial Governor Nestor Fongwan.

In the resort city of Baguio 17 were killed when mudslides buried entire houses,

says Peter Fianza responsible for emergency management in the town. And in the Mountain Province, Governor Maximo Dulag indicates that five people have been killed and 32 are missing.

http://nyhederne.tv2.dk/article.php/id-25636092.html

 

Swedish TV4, Text TV: Many people died in landslides in the Philippines

According to local authorities, more than 90 people were killed in a series of landslides caused by heavy rains in northern Philippines. The heavy rains fell due to a tropical depression. The typhoon "Parma" stayed over northern Philippines for more than one week. More than 60% of the province Pangasinan, incl. 30 villages, are flooded. The problem is worsened because the authorities felt compelled to let out water from an embankment / a dam which "threatened" to burst.

 

Danish TV2 News: The Philippines now hit by mudslides after several tropical typhoons.The last typhoon named "Melor" is a category 5 typhoon and has now hit Japan, where 2,500 people have been evacuated.

 

A Danish meteorologist explains the pattern of typhoons: The typhoons have followed an unusual pattern this year. Most of the time a typhoon moves across water. It is not unusual for a typhoon to move across land such as in the Philippines, but it is unusual that it then changes directions and returns to the northern Philippines where it moves back and forwards so that the northern part of the Philippines has been hit by the same tropical system ("Parma") 3 - three - times! When the typhoon was over water, the typhoon was further powered / energized leading too even heavier rains and stronger winds. The heavy rains in the mountainous northern Philippines then caused mudslides and flooding. The preceding typhoon "Melor" followed the normal pattern, whereas "Parma" stayed over the northern Philippines. Mudslides have blocked roads.

 

Danish TV2 News Headlines: 30 villages hit by typhoon. 64 people died in Benguet province. A total of over 90 people killed in northern Philippines. More than 100 people killed in the Philippines. The floodings are the largest in the Philippines for more than 40 years. 4 enormous mudslides in the Benguet provice hit 5 different villages and buried a whole village after heavy rain. 17 killed in the holiday town Baguio due to mudslides. According to governor Maximo Dulag, 5 were killed and 32 missing in the Mountain province. Province governor Nestor Fongwan: 69 killed in Benguet province, 5 towns hit.

 

Danish TV Channel DR1's Text TV: Mudslides (landslides) kill more than 90 people. Rivers overflowed their banks and water reservoirs overflowed causing lower areas to be flooded. On TV pictures you can see towns and agricultural / cultured areas transformed into huges lakes. Thousands of people spent the night sitting on the roofs of their houses.

[Tonsu]

Oh my goodness :(

 

The need for help becomes more and more crucial...

 

 

 

 

 

(Thank you so much Nancy for your excellent updates, despite the terrible news they contain)

[Jsalyers]

Hopefully the people that I told last weekend will bring their donations this weekend and I can begin to gather them up. Also going to be calling Ioshi's contact cause there are some closer donation drop offs.

[Tonsu]

Great work Joe!!

[Jsalyers]

Thanks Pete! Im really happy that I have till the end of the month, hopefully be able to get more things collected!

[nancyk58]

German ZDF, TextTV + German ARD; TextTV: (translated from German to English): 100 killed by landslides in the northern Philippines early today (Friday 9/10-09) according to the authorities. About 30 villages were flooded as a dam could no longer hold back the masses of water after heavy rain. The Eastern part of the province Pangasinan has become one river, so the vice-governor of the province Marlyn Premicias said. The depression area "Parma" has stayed over the Northeastern coast for several days. It is the second time with really bad weather within two weeks. The typhoon "Ketsana" caused enormous floodings in the capital Manila at the end of September.

 

The second Norwegian TV channel, Text TV: More than 90 people killed due to landslides in northern Philippines after heavy rains since the typhoon "Parma" hit the country almost one week ago. 30 villages flooded as several dams had to be opened .

 

Norwegian TV, channel 2, Text TV on 9.October 2009: 4 earth quakes shook the Pacific islands. The last quake shook the area at 10:30pm Norwegian time and measured 7.0 on the Richter-scale according to the American earth quake centre US Geological Survey, USGS. The epicentre was 35 km below the bottom of the ocean barely 30 mile northwest of the island Santo. It is the fourth earthquake in less than 12 hours. No reports of casualties or devastation after the sub-marine earthquakes.

 

Danish channel DR1, Text TV: Japan's main island Honshu hit by an enormous typhoon. 2 killed. Scores of others wounded. The typhoon "Melor" tears off roofs, trees are pulled up by the roots and causes fear of landslides. Heavy winds of more than 160 km/h affect the traffic negatively and the winds cause power failure in densely populated areas. The typhoon is the first to hit Japan since 2007. The Meteorological Office / the Weather Bureau considers the typhoon to be very dangerous, but it cools off on its way across the Japanese main island Honshu.

 

UNICEF.ORG: From the Press Centre / http://www.Unicef.org

UN Flash Appeal of nearly $75 million for assistance to victims of Ketsana/Ondoy

 

 

Nearly 70,000 children return to classes following Indonesia earthquake

 

JAKARTA, INDONESIA, 5 October 2009 – Less than one week after a major earthquake devastated the Indonesian province of West Sumatra, nearly 70,000 children have returned to classes in the city of Padang according to local education authorities, as UNICEF rushed school supplies to the region.

UNICEF is providing 250 school tents as part of its initial support to re-start education, along with school materials and recreational equipment. In addition, in an effort to prevent possible disease outbreaks, the first water storage bladders have been set up in areas affected by the earthquake, along with jerry cans and hygiene kits. In total, UNICEF is aiming at providing immediate life-saving supplies for up to 50,000 families.

According to initial government estimates, Wednesday’s earthquake, which measured 7.6 on the Richter-scale, left over 700 people dead and forced tens of thousands of people to leave their homes in the coastal provincial capital of Padang and surrounding highlands. Access to some affected communities remains difficult due to damage to roads and bridges.

 

UNICEF rapid response team on location in Samoa

SUVA, 5 October 2009 – A team of six emergency personnel are currently conducting rapid assessments in Samoa to ensure that the urgent needs of children are met following the earthquake and tsunami that struck the Pacific Island nation on Tuesday, September 29.

UNICEF Pacific Representative, Dr. Isiye Ndombi said: “By experience, UNICEF knows that in an emergency, children are the most affected. It is therefore essential they have access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and are able to resume education.”

“Our key relief priorities and response are in the areas of water and sanitation, health, education and protection,” he said.

The team arrived on Thursday 1 October in Apia together with initial emergency supplies of 2000 Oral Re-hydration Salts, 5000 Water Purification Tablets and 7000 sets of communication materials promoting basic health practices in emergencies. On Saturday’s flight from Fiji to Samoa, UNICEF Pacific additionally sent 14 Early Childhood Development kits and 10 Enhanced Recreational kits.

“We will be sending further supplies tomorrow which include 3500 collapsable water containers (each holding 10 litres of water) and 5000 soap.”

UNICEF is working closely with the Government of Samoa and other UN agencies to provide assistance for up to 10-15,000 people. It is estimated that at least 9,000 children are affected.

The latest update on the number of tsunami victims shows 135 deaths, 310 injured and 3,500 displaced people including up to 2,000 displaced girls and boys.

 

UNICEF and partners respond to flood crisis in the PHILIPPINES

NEW YORK, USA, 5 October 2009 – More than 200 people have died, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes, due to flooding triggered by Tropical Storm Ondoy in and around metropolitan Manila in the Philippines just over a week ago. More flooding affected rural areas and caused some deaths this past weekend as another storm, Parma, struck primarily in northern Luzon province.

UNICEF has expressed deep concern about the well-being of children and families affected by the floods, which have affected a quarter of metropolitan Manila, as well as other provinces around the country.

 

Emergency supplies

In response, the agency has been distributing pre-positioned emergency supplies, including both food and non-food items. Meanwhile, 90,000 packs of water-purification tablets and 650 water-purification kits have been shipped from UNICEF’s main supply warehouse in Copenhagen, Denmark, to aid displaced families who do not have access to safe water.

“This gives them a chance to have drinking water available, because what these [shipments] include is water vessels and also treatment for drinking water,” said UNICEF Emergency Logistics Specialist Jens Grimm.

 

UNICEF is now preparing $1 million worth of additional supplies to assist displaced children and families.

 

‘As if a tsunami came’

Some 3 million people, including 1 million children, have been affected by Ondoy and the subsequent flooding. Another 200,000 or more may have been affected by Parma.

UNICEF Philippines Chief of Health and Nutrition Dr. Marinus Gotink visited several sites in the northern part of metropolitan Manila last week. He and his team surveyed the damage caused by the area’s most severe rainfall in approximately 40 years.

“The people described it as if a tsunami came,” Dr. Gotink said. “In about one hour or less, the water levels rose up to four to five metres above their normal levels, which means that houses built alongside the river, bridges – everything was destroyed.”

 

Poor communities hard-hit

Dr. Gotink reported that informal communities of poor people living in shanties were among those hardest hit by the flooding.

“There are many poor people living alongside the river,” he said. “They are trying to rebuild and clean up with the very little they have. These people have lost everything.”

Although the floodwaters have retreated in most places, they have left a tremendous amount of debris and mud in their wake.

 

My heart goes out to all those affected by all these natural disasters.

[nancyk58]

Swedish Television, Text TV - Saturday morning, 10 October 2009:

 

More than 181 people killed due to landslides after heavy rain in northern Philippines. Over 60% of the province Pangansinan and 30 villages flooded. For the past two weeks storms have caused the deaths of 540 human lives in the Phiippines.

[Tonsu]

Thank you nancy, but yet more bad news :(

 

These people need all the help we can give them RIGHT NOW