Sunday, December 18, 2011

Philippines seeks help for storm victims

Xinhua: The Philippine government said on Sunday that it would welcome any assistance and donations from either the public or private sector to aid the victims of massive flooding in central and southern parts of the country where hundreds of people have died. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that President Aquino will surely visit the flood-stricken areas to personally see the havoc left by tropical storm Sendong (international name Washi).

"We welcome any and all donations whether from the public or the private sector to help our fellow citizens get back on their feet after the storm," she said. Asked if the government would also seek assistance from foreign countries for immediate recovery in areas affected by the storm, Valte said, "we will have to defer to the National Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) if in their estimate and in their analysis aid is needed."

She said at this point the government is focusing on the search and rescue operations of those who were still missing and not on those who should be held responsible for the great loss of lives.

The residents in the affected communities reportedly blamed the government, particularly the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), for allegedly failing to issue early warning. But Valte said that Pagasa had been giving warnings as early as December 14, but the people allegedly did not heed the advisory.

Benito Ramos, Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director and Office of Civil Defense Administrator, said 516 people have lost their lives due to Sendong that wreaked havoc in parts of Mindanao and Visayas....

Could not find a satellite image of Typhoon Sendong, so here's a track map of the 2011 Pacific typhoon season

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