Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard J. Gordon and his team arrived in Mindanao Monday (Dec 19), to personally assess the aftermath of the flash flood that claimed 1,000 lives in eight affected areas on December 17.
The Red Cross also reported earlier 202 injured and 162 others missing. Gordon expressed Red Cross’ concern over the plight of the thousands of families whose lives were shattered during the Christmas Season.
Gordon said Mindanao is not usually a typhoon prone area and residents were caught unprepared, mostly shocked by the flash floods that swept away their belongings and source of livelihood such as crops and live stocks.
While floodwater has subsided, many families still remained at the evacuation centers while they try to fix and clean their damaged homes from thick mud.
PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang said, Red Cross is appealing for help from corporate partners and overseas Filipinos so they can provide more family Christmas packs for the affected residents. Each pack should include priority needs such as food, clothing, sleeping materials, blankets and school supplies and footwear for the children.
Red Cross welcomes donations in cash for its continuing relief and recovery efforts. Send your donations to PRC headquarters in Manila or to any affected Red Cross chapters. Red Cross hotline is 527 0000.
On line donations also accepted at http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow.