PHILIPPINES FLOODS AFFECT OVER 200,000

PHILIPPINES FLOODS AFFECT OVER 200,000

NEW YORK, 24 December (OCHA) -- The number of deaths caused by flooding, landslides, and a tornado in eight provinces in the central Philippines has risen to 143 from 90.  In addition, 54 persons have been injured and 112 are still missing.  The total number of people affected by the disaster has now doubled from almost 100,000 to over 200,000 people, and almost 18,000 are sheltering in

21 evacuation centres.

National volunteers and rescue teams continue rescue operations, and national and local disaster councils have provided rice, assorted relief goods, used clothing, antibiotics and supplies.

In response to the Government’s request for international assistance, the United States, Japan, Germany and Australia have come forward with cash, goods, and search and rescue support.  The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is providing an emergency grant of $50,000, the United Nations Children’s Fund is giving $60,000 and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is supporting an agricultural needs assessment.  The Philippine Red Cross is also assisting relief efforts.  The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is supporting this operation with $38,462 from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund.

For further information, please call:  Stephanie Bunker, OCHA NY, tel.:  (917) 367 5126, mobile:  (917) 892 1679; or Elizabeth Byrs, OCHA Geneva, tel.:  41 22 917 2653, mobile:  41(0) 79 472 4570.

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