Philippine soldiers stand near relief supplies for victims of Typhoon Haiyan at Villamor Airbase, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013 in Manila, Philippines. AP FILE PHOTO
DAVAO CITY, Philippines—The International Committee of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement issued an appeal for aid to people ravaged by Supertyphoon “Yolanda.”
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) appealed for 72 million Swiss francs to provide 100,000 families with food, clean water, shelter and other essential relief over a period of 18 months.
“Samar Island has suffered unimaginable destruction and will be the main focus of our initial response,” said Alain Aeschlimann, ICRC head of operations for the region.
“This (response) includes delivering essential aid such as food, water, shelter and basic health care. We will also help separated family members contact each other,” Aeschlimann said in a statement.
In Central Mindanao, the Catholic laity has embarked on a diocesan-wide relief donation drive for the people of typhoon-stricken areas.
The relief donation campaign in the region involves not only parishes within the Archdiocese of Cotabato, but other sectors with “a humanitarian heart.”
“Volunteers, students and other humanitarian advocates have already signified involvement to join the noble objective of collecting whatever donation that we can extend to our suffering kababayans in Yolanda-ravaged communities in Visayas,” said Bishop Colin Bagaforo.
At least 100 soldiers, who are disaster-trained, had been deployed on Wednesday to Tacloban City to help in clearing operations.
Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, Muslim Mindanao health secretary, said the autonomous region’s medical and relief mission to the Visayas took off Wednesday equipped with food and nonfood items.—Germelina Lacorte and Charlie C. Señase, Inquirer Mindanao