Satellites to the rescue | UN Dispatch

Satellites to the rescue | UN Dispatch: "When cyclone Nargis passed over Myanmar in May 2008, the Irrawaddy delta was severely flooded from one of the most damaging flood surges in recent history. Due to the limited presence of international actors in Myanmar at the time, there was almost no verifiable field information coming from the affected areas, except for what was immediately observed from satellites. Two days after Nargis had passed, detailed satellite damage assessments on flooded areas and affected population was available at minimum cost to the international humanitarian community – and that over an area where no major field assessments where to take place for several weeks due to the access restrictions by the Government in Myanmar."

Olivet College plans service trip to help hurricane survivors in New Orleans | battlecreekenquirer.com | The Enquirer

Olivet College plans service trip to help hurricane survivors in New Orleans | battlecreekenquirer.com | The Enquirer: "Olivet College is once again planning a weeklong service trip to support Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans. A group of 19 students, two employees and one alumnus will leave Saturday, Dec. 5, following the college's final exams. The group will help rebuild areas of the city and return to Olivet Saturday, Dec. 12. In addition, they will spend one night at the Morgan Scott Project in Deer Lodge, Tenn., where they will be delivering new, unwrapped toys for families in Morgan and Scott counties, two of the poorest counties in Tennessee."

Logistics of disaster relief – part three | British Red Cross Blog

Logistics of disaster relief – part three | British Red Cross Blog: "Of course, your boss might not be best pleased when you don’t turn up for work the next day and there are always reasons why you might not be able to drop everything and go. Yet this is exactly what the members of the British Red Cross emergency response unit do"

Turkish aid in Indonesia leaves lasting impression

Turkish aid in Indonesia leaves lasting impression: "The assistance of Turkish people and aid associations in healing the wounds of Banda Aceh, a port in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim country, badly hit by a tsunami in 2004 that left 300,000 dead and millions homeless, has left a permanent mark in the city’s infrastructure and made lasting impressions on local people"

Reuters AlertNet - INDONESIA: Focus on earthquake preparedness, not prediction

Reuters AlertNet - INDONESIA: Focus on earthquake preparedness, not prediction: "Experts have forecast that a long undersea faultline along Indonesia's Sumatra Island is due to produce a powerful and devastating earthquake in the next few decades.

Sections of the fault, called the Sunda megathrust, have ruptured a number of times over the past decade, causing several earthquakes in the region.

A major earthquake could trigger a tsunami that could result in casualties and damage equal to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, writes Kerry Sieh, a scientist at the Earth Observatory of Singapore, in an article made available to IRIN."

Jaber Al-Ahmad Village to be inaugurated in Banda Aceh » Kuwait Times Website

Jaber Al-Ahmad Village to be inaugurated in Banda Aceh » Kuwait Times Website: "MANILA: His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has tasked Barjas Al-Barjas, the chairman of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), with inaugurating Jaber Al-Ahmad Village in Indonesia during his current visit to the region. The village was built using Kuwaiti funds to rehome those left destitute by the 2004 tsunami. Al-Barjas said he met with the Kuwaiti leader recently and gave him a full briefing about the village, located in Banda Aceh. He explained that the village, built in
an area devastated by the 2004 tsunami, includes 150 houses, a mosque and a medical center."

Swiss Solidarity hails record tsunami donations - swissinfo

Swiss Solidarity hails record tsunami donations - swissinfo: "You are in: swissinfo.ch > index
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Swiss Solidarity hails record tsunami donations
The charity Swiss Solidarity has thanked the nation after it collected SFr227 million ($224 million) for its tsunami projects, which are now coming to an end.

It said the record donations had allowed it to co-finance 166 projects in five countries in cooperation with other organisations since the devastating tidal wave hit Southeast Asia almost five years ago"

Concord Salvadoran group raises money for flood victims - ContraCostaTimes.com

Concord Salvadoran group raises money for flood victims - ContraCostaTimes.com: "Downpours began that night, leading to flash floods and landslides that have killed 198 people — many of them children — and left dozens more missing, according to the latest government figures cited Monday in Salvadoran news outlets.

Silva, though safe in the capital of San Salvador, halted her vacation plans and joined the emergency relief work."

Sagip-Buhay operation of Thai Airways helps victims of Ondoy | The Philippine Star >> Lifestyle Features >> Travel and Tourism

Sagip-Buhay operation of Thai Airways helps victims of Ondoy | The Philippine Star >> Lifestyle Features >> Travel and Tourism: "Thai Airways International (THAI), in collaboration with the Airline Operators Council (AOC) in Bangkok, recently donated aid consisting of canned goods, dried food, clothing
, blankets and medicines through the Manila AOC’s Operation “Sagip Buhay.” These goods were generously donated by staff of Thai Airways and AOC member airlines operating into Bangkok’s Suvanabhumi Airport. The donations were received by chairman of the AOC Manila, Maria Lourdes Reyes"

Silicon Valley firms help China quake victims - San Jose Mercury News

Silicon Valley firms help China quake victims - San Jose Mercury News: "t serves foreign companies well to play the role of good corporate citizen

in China, where gaining favor with local Communist officials can pave the way for smoother business relations. It can showcase new technology in a nation growing at a rapid clip. But the primary motivation for most technology company workers was emotional: to do something constructive in the face of nature's fury."

DEVELOPMENT: SCANDINAVIA, IRELAND TOPS IN HUMANITARIAN AID

DEVELOPMENT: SCANDINAVIA, IRELAND TOPS IN HUMANITARIAN AID: "WASHINGTON (IPS) - Of the 22 major western donor nations, Norway, Sweden, Ireland and Denmark responded most effectively to humanitarian emergencies around the world in 2008, according to the latest of three annual assessments of humanitarian aid released here Tuesday by Development Assistance Research Associates (DARA)."

Philippines fund drive finishes with final push tomorrow | HonoluluAdvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser

Philippines fund drive finishes with final push tomorrow | HonoluluAdvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser: "Local fundraising efforts to Philippine typhoon relief have so far collected more than $100,000, Filipino Community Center president Toy Arre in a news release from the Philippine Consulate General."

Gospel for Asia responds to ‘desperate’ flood situation in India

Gospel for Asia responds to ‘desperate’ flood situation in India: "The mission group has joined Christian aid agencies in bringing relief to the regions where an estimated 200,000 people have been displaced and around thousands of homes rendered uninhabitable. Around 220 relief camps have been set up to house the flood victims."

7DAYS - Massive aid effort

7DAYS - Massive aid effort: "Thousands of kind-hearted UAE residents touched by the plight of flood victims in the Philippines have raised more than dhs500,000 in cash and filled dozens of containers with much-needed aid.

The bulk of the donations poured in during a charity walk in Safa Park earlier this month that saw 8,000 participants dig deep and dwarf the suggested dhs50 donation to take part."

Flooding Expected To Hit Drought-Stricken East Africa - Science News - redOrbit

Flooding Expected To Hit Drought-Stricken East Africa - Science News - redOrbit: "Flooding Expected To Hit Drought-Stricken East Africa

Posted on: Wednesday, 21 October 2009, 07:25 CDT

On Tuesday the UN sent out an alert that East Africa could be hit by flash floods in approaching months, with the potential to affect hundreds of thousands of people already suffering from a severe drought."

Over 50 Christian, Jewish, Muslim Leaders Urge President Obama: Make Poverty, Climate and Coastal Restoration Priorities in Gulf Coast Recovery | CommonDreams.org

PRESS RELEASE

Over 50 Christian, Jewish, Muslim Leaders Urge President Obama: Make Poverty, Climate and Coastal Restoration Priorities in Gulf Coast Recovery | CommonDreams.org: "Over 50 Christian, Jewish, Muslim Leaders Urge President Obama: Make Poverty, Climate and Coastal Restoration Priorities in Gulf Coast Recovery

NEW ORLEANS - October 15 - As President Barack Obama arrives in New Orleans for this first visit since his historic election, over 50 leading religious officials and faith-based organizations are urging the President for robust federal long-term hurricane recovery policy to tackle poverty, coastal erosion and climate change."

U.S. Donations for Asia-Pacific Disasters Continue to Trickle In, Aid Groups Say - Philanthropy.com

U.S. Donations for Asia-Pacific Disasters Continue to Trickle In, Aid Groups Say - Philanthropy.com: "U.S. Donations for Asia-Pacific Disasters Continue to Trickle In, Aid Groups Say

By Caroline Preston

Eight American relief groups have raised more than $3.9-million to aid victims of disasters in the Asia-Pacific region, according to a Chronicle tally."

Students Raise Funds for Hurricane Victims | The Emory Wheel

Students Raise Funds for Hurricane Victims | The Emory Wheel: "In response to two typhoons in the Philippines that killed more than 300 people in the past two weeks, the Filipino Student Association (FSA) has been reaching out to the community to help students and families who have been affected by the storms."

Noble gesture of T-town celebs - News & Interviews - Regional - Entertainment - The Times of India

Noble gesture of T-town celebs - News & Interviews - Regional - Entertainment - The Times of India: "A week after the devastating flood (touted as the worst in 100 years) deluged Andhra Pradesh the film frat seems to be putting their hands together to make a difference for those who have been affected. Screen heart-throb Ram Charan Tej was one of the first to respond when he donated Rs 10 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and didn’t “want to talk” about his kind gesture. He even visited the flood relief camp in Vijaywada in pristine white and spoke to the victims of the ravage. The flamboyant Allu Arjun donated Rs 5 lakh to the Praja Rajyam Party Relief Fund."

Nottingham school opens its doors to earthquake survivors : Nottingham City Council

Nottingham school opens its doors to earthquake survivors : Nottingham City Council: "2005's Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Mohammed Munir, launched an appeal days after the earthquake struck northern parts of Pakistan, claiming around 75,000 lives and leaving millions homeless. The aim was to fund a long-term project rather than provide immediate relief aid. A number of fundraising events, including the Drop in the Ocean music festival, a special locally-produced play staged at the Theatre Royal, and proceeds from the City Council staff Christmas party, raised over £100,000."

Foreign rescue teams leave quake-hit Indonesia city | International | Reuters

Foreign rescue teams leave quake-hit Indonesia city | International | Reuters: "PADANG, Indonesia (Reuters) - Relief workers struggled to reach Indonesian quake survivors still without food or shelter a week after the disaster, while foreign rescue teams packed up their high-tech equipment on Wednesday and prepared to pull out."

GCCF awarding remainder of Katrina funds to nonprofits - Local - SunHerald.com

GCCF awarding remainder of Katrina funds to nonprofits - Local - SunHerald.com: "GULFPORT — Nonprofit groups are being asked to submit proposals for Katrina-recovery projects that would be funded with about $1.25 million remaining in the Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund.

The fund contained $32 million in Katrina-relief donations raised through the televised “Mississippi Rising” concert, from the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund and from private donations worldwide."

DHL offers special flight from KSA for donations to 'Ondoy' victims - Pinoy Abroad - GMANews.TV - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

DHL offers special flight from KSA for donations to 'Ondoy' victims - Pinoy Abroad - GMANews.TV - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News: "“DHL Express in Saudi Arabia will accept relief goods for the victims of storm Ondoy and we will send it to the Philippines free of charge,' said Wilson Casquejo, DHL operation supervisor in Jeddah."

Brad Pitt's Foundation Unveils Floating Home That Rises Up (and Away) in Floods | Sustainability | Fast Company

Brad Pitt's Foundation Unveils Floating Home That Rises Up (and Away) in Floods | Sustainability | Fast Company: "It's inevitable that a Katrina-style hurricane will strike again. But maybe this time we should be prepared to go with the flow--literally. Brad Pitt's Make it Right Foundation unveiled today the Float House, a home that can break away from its moorings in the event of a flood and rise up to 12 feet on guideposts."

Planet Rugby | Rugby Union News, Live Rugby Scores, Results & Fixtures | IRB pledges support for tsunami victims

Planet Rugby | Rugby Union News, Live Rugby Scores, Results & Fixtures | IRB pledges support for tsunami victims: "The International Rugby Board pledged their support to the Pacific island nations left devastated by a tsunami earlier this week.

Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga were all hit by the tsunami in which at least 129 people have been killed."

No hope for Samoa tsunami missing as toll rises - Regional - MSN Malaysia News - News

No hope for Samoa tsunami missing as toll rises - Regional - MSN Malaysia News - News: "Emergency workers Thursday gave up hope of finding more survivors from the horrific Samoan tsunami as its feared death toll climbed toward 190."

Int'l aid for typhoon victims over P566-M | ABS-CBN News Online Beta

Int'l aid for typhoon victims over P566-M | ABS-CBN News Online Beta: "The Philippine Government is deeply appreciative of our international partners’ swift response to our call for aid,” said DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo.

As of October 2, the total relief and rehabilitation assistance in actual donations and commitments from the country’s international partners is over P566 million."

VIETNAM Almost 400 deaths in SE Asia from Ketsana as new typhoon moves towards the Philippines - Asia News

VIETNAM Almost 400 deaths in SE Asia from Ketsana as new typhoon moves towards the Philippines - Asia News: "Almost 400 deaths in SE Asia from Ketsana as new typhoon moves towards the Philippines
by JB. Vu
In Vietnam, toll now stands at 101 dead and 170,000 homeless. Central provinces are hardest hit. Catholic Church begins fund raising and aid collection for affected population. In Philippines, authorities sound the alarm for Parma, an even more devastating storm that is fast approaching."

Aid Groups Were Ready to Respond - WSJ.com

Aid Groups Were Ready to Respond - WSJ.com: "But since the massive Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, organizations such as Save the Children, World Vision and Oxfam International have ramped up their disaster-response and prevention teams in the region, helping them respond more easily when calamities strike in more than one place at the same time."

Who lives in the New Orleans and the Metro Area now?

<GNOCDC> Who lives in the New Orleans and the Metro Area now?: "This brief examines 2008 demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau for Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany parishes, and the overall metro area, and identifies significant changes since 2000. Included are data on race and ethnicity, poverty, homeownership, educational attainment, children, access to vehicles and the foreign born population."

Foundation Center - Press Release - Foundation Giving Priorities Shift in Gulf Coast Hurricane Response, New Foundation Center Report Finds

Foundation Center - Press Release - Foundation Giving Priorities Shift in Gulf Coast Hurricane Response, New Foundation Center Report Finds: "Foundation Giving Priorities Shift in Gulf Coast Hurricane Response, New Foundation Center Report Finds
Support for Recovery Continues; Greater Emphasis
on Economic and Community Development

New York, NY — August 27, 2009. Private and community foundations awarded an additional $125 million in grant support for Gulf Coast hurricane recovery and rebuilding efforts between January 2007 and mid-2009, according to Giving in the Aftermath of the 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricanes: Profile of the Ongoing Foundation and Corporate Response (2007-2009), an update of the Center's earlier study. Since 2005, the Center has tracked nearly $1.3 billion in grants, program-related investments, and corporate in-kind gifts from foundations, corporations, and other institutional donors in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita."

Ireland pledges €500,000 in aid to earthquake victims - World, Breaking News - Belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Ireland pledges €500,000 in aid to earthquake victims - World, Breaking News - Belfasttelegraph.co.uk: "The Minister for Overseas Aid Peter Power has pledged €500,000 for the victims of the natural disasters in Southeast Asia and the Pacific."

Donors urged to fulfill pledges to Haiti - Haiti & Caribbean - MiamiHerald.com

Donors urged to fulfill pledges to Haiti - Haiti & Caribbean - MiamiHerald.com: "UNITED NATIONS -- Former President Bill Clinton has called on donor countries to make good on financial pledges to help Haiti recover from back-to-back storms last year.

Since a donors conference in April, at which $760 million had been pledged, only $21 million has actually been disbursed, said Clinton, the United Nations special envoy for Haiti."

CBC News - Manitoba - Filipino community rallies after flood

CBC News - Manitoba - Filipino community rallies after flood: "Winnipeg's large Filipino community is rallying to raise funds for disaster relief after a flood triggered by a tropical storm in their homeland killed 240 and left thousands homeless."

Social media keep flood victims connected

Social media keep flood victims connected: "(09-28) 18:49 PDT -- With their homes and offices flooded, landlines overloaded and electricity knocked out, residents of the typhoon-stricken regions of the Philippines managed to report news of their plight to the world by using cell phones and social networks."

INTERNATIONAL AID SOUGHT; 'ONDOY' DEATH TOLL CLIMBS TO 140

INTERNATIONAL  AID  SOUGHT;  'ONDOY'  DEATH  TOLL  CLIMBS  TO  140: "MANILA, SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 (MALAYA) BY VICTOR REYES - DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro yesterday appealed to the international community for humanitarian assistance as the country reeled from the effects of storm 'Ondoy' which has so far left 140 people dead."

BusinessWorld Online: International assistance starts pouring in for flood victims

BusinessWorld Online: International assistance starts pouring in for flood victims: "Washington sent $50,000 for the relief efforts, China pitched in $10,000, while Singapore raised $30,000 and a further $20,000 in seed money to jump-start a donations drive by the Red Cross."

Donations continue to pour in | Manila Bulletin

Donations continue to pour in | Manila Bulletin: "Aid from the international community started to pour in since Saturday, with the US government giving US$50,000 in emergency relief to the Philippine National Red Cross. The Chinese government also gave US$10,000 to the PNRC last Sunday while the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) pledged P15.3million worth of food and non-food items for the typhoon victims."

Natural disasters displacing millions--UN study | International | Reuters

Natural disasters displacing millions--UN study | International | Reuters: "LONDON, Sept 22 (Reuters) - Floods, storms, drought and other climate-related natural disasters drove 20 million people from their homes last year, nearly four times as many as were displaced by conflicts, a new U.N. report said on Tuesday."

One year after Ike trauma, UTMB is returning to life | Viewpoints, Outlook | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

One year after Ike trauma,
 UTMB is returning to life | Viewpoints, Outlook | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Nearly a year ago, Hurricane Ike devastated southeast Texas, and no institution was more greatly affected than the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB). As Washington continues the debate over health care reform, it is relevant to review what happened to UTMB, how Texas officials responded, and what progress has been made in its recovery."

Spore charity aids quake village

Spore charity aids quake village: "BANDUNG - A FIVE-MAN team from a Singapore relief agency yesterday delivered aid worth $35,000 to a remote village in West Java that had been devastated by an earthquake last Wednesday"

Nonprofits help Katrina victims rebuild their homes, lives - CNN.com

Nonprofits help Katrina victims rebuild their homes, lives - CNN.com: "We've been very focused in the first seven months [of the Obama administration] on cutting red tape, making sure that recovery moves ahead. And that we can get as fast as possible to the completion of the recovery phase.'

Donovan said HUD's plans will help hundreds of millions of federal dollars be directed to areas across New Orleans, helping rebuild communities and get families into permanent houses.

But Donovan also said this could still take another 18-24 months, and that if it weren't for nonprofits there would be little to no progress, even four years after the storm."

Catholic Charities receives large federal contract for disaster relief

Catholic Charities receives large federal contract for disaster relief: "Alexandria, Va., Aug 4, 2009 / 04:42 am (CNA).- Catholic Charities USA has received a five-year, 100 million dollar federal contract to aid in disaster relief throughout the United States. The contract is the charity’s first ever federal contract."

ReliefWeb » Document » A bridge to recovery: ASEAN's response to Cyclone Nargis

ReliefWeb » Document » A bridge to recovery: ASEAN's response to Cyclone Nargis: "Executive Summary

The role of ASEAN in the response to and recovery from Cyclone Nargis has been critical in ensuring effective coordination of international assistance. ASEAN has been working at the strategic policy level between ASEAN, the Government and the international humanitarian community led by the UN, through the Tripartite Core Group (TCG)."

One million people helped recover from Pakistan quake

One million people helped recover from Pakistan quake: "As the volatile situation in Pakistan’s North-West Frontier Province continues, the Red Cross has helped around one million people recover from the devastating earthquake which struck the area on 8 October 2005."

IRIN Asia | Asia | Myanmar | MYANMAR: Nargis survivors still waiting for shelter | Food Security Health & Nutrition Natural Disasters | News Item

IRIN Asia | Asia | Myanmar | MYANMAR: Nargis survivors still waiting for shelter | Food Security Health & Nutrition Natural Disasters | News Item: "YANGON, 24 July 2009 (IRIN) - Shelter is still one of the most pivotal issues to affect survivors of Cyclone Nargis today, the UN says."

ASEAN releases post-Cyclone Nargis relief publications

ASEAN releases post-Cyclone Nargis relief publications: "Phuket, Thailand (mizzima) – The secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has released two books by members of the bloc concerning post-Cyclone Nargis relief in Burma.

Surin Pitsuwan, ASEAN Secretary-General, presided over the book launch on Monday in the media center for the 42nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Phuket, in southern Thailand."

Visa Backlog Holds Up Irrawaddy Delta Relief Work

Visa Backlog Holds Up Irrawaddy Delta Relief Work: "PHUKET, Thailand — The international post-cyclone relief effort in the Irrawaddy delta is under pressure because of a delay in granting visas for more than 200 aid workers, according to a senior official with the Tripartite Core Group (TCG)."

A Sustainable New Orleans Slowly Rises in Katrina's Wake - NYTimes.com

A Sustainable New Orleans Slowly Rises in Katrina's Wake - NYTimes.com: "NEW ORLEANS -- People here are finally seeing a bright side to the catastrophic damage done four years ago by hurricanes Katrina and Rita."

Protecting and Promoting Rights in Natural Disasters in South Asia - Brookings Institution

Protecting and Promoting Rights in Natural Disasters in South Asia - Brookings Institution: "On April 9-10, 2009, the All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI)[1] and The Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement[2] co-convened a two-day workshop on “Protecting and Promoting Rights in Natural Disasters in South Asia: Prevention and Response” in Chennai, India. A total of 37 participants attended from Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Participants represented national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), civil society organizations, the UN, government representatives, the military, media, academic institutions and environmental organizations. The workshop brought together diverse policymakers, activists and practitioners to discuss the salient issues related to protecting and promoting human rights in South Asian disasters."

News - Lottery: Board doesn't 'have authority to make grants'

News - Lottery: Board doesn't 'have authority to make grants': "Lotto funds were not distributed to charities due to legislative and procedural issues, the National Lotteries Board (NLB) said on Monday.

However, the NLB did not have the authority to make grants, CEO Vevek Ram said in a statement."

Caritas completes tsunami work worth over Rs 11 billion

Caritas completes tsunami work worth over Rs 11 billion: "Caritas completes tsunami work worth over Rs 11 billion
By Quintus Perera

Caritas Sri Lanka, part of Caritas International, has spent a total of nearly Rs 11 billion on tsunami relief work in Sri Lanka from 2005 to June 2009. Caritas is a Catholic charitable organization which operates through Social and Economic Development Centre (SEDEC), the social arm of the Church."

The Galveston County Daily News

The Galveston County Daily News: "Roker and the “Today” crew stopped in Galveston on Wednesday as part of the show’s Lend a Hand series, an annual, weeklong showcase of charities that normally operate out of the spotlight.

NBC producers chose Help4Galveston, the nonprofit formed by Toberman after Hurricane Ike struck in September, to receive the $540,600 in supplies donated for Galveston."

Mission Hills charity golf event for Sichuan earthquake victims | World Golf News

Mission Hills charity golf event for Sichuan earthquake victims | World Golf News: "SHENZHEN, China -- Mission Hills Golf Club - the world's largest collection of premier golf courses with 12 layouts designed by many of the greatest golfers and golf course architects from five continents - announces its second annual charity golf tournament for victims of the May 2008 Sichuan earthquake is expected to raise approximately $1.4 million."

Postbulletin.com: Rochester, MN

Postbulletin.com: Rochester, MN: "As of Thursday afternoon, the American Red Cross had delivered about 250 meals and snacks to the victims of Wednesday night's tornado through north Austin."

IRIN Global | Asia East Africa Global Great Lakes Horn of Africa Middle East North America Southern Africa West Africa | Afghanistan Angola Bangladesh Burkina Faso Burundi Benin IRIN Blog Botswana DRC Central African Republic Congo Cote d'Ivoire Cameroon Comoros Cape Verde Djibouti Egypt Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon Ghana Gambia Guinea Equatorial Guinea Guinea-Bissau Haiti Indonesia Israel Iraq Iran Jordan Kenya Kyrgyzstan Cambodia Kazakhstan Laos Lebanon Sri Lanka Liberia Lesotho Madagascar Mali Myanmar Mauritania Mauritius Malawi Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Nepal OPT Papua New Guinea Philippines Pakistan Rwanda Seychelles Sudan Sierra Leone Senegal Somalia Sao Tome and Principe Swaziland Turkmenistan Chad Togo Thailand Tajikistan Timor-Leste Tanzania United Arab Emirates Uganda Uzbekistan Vietnam Western Sahara Yemen South Africa Zambia Zimbabwe | GLOBAL: Investment key to disaster preparedness | Economy Environment Natural Disasters | News Item

IRIN Global | Asia East Africa Global Great Lakes Horn of Africa Middle East North America Southern Africa West Africa | Afghanistan Angola Bangladesh Burkina Faso Burundi Benin IRIN Blog Botswana DRC Central African Republic Congo Cote d'Ivoire Cameroon Comoros Cape Verde Djibouti Egypt Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon Ghana Gambia Guinea Equatorial Guinea Guinea-Bissau Haiti Indonesia Israel Iraq Iran Jordan Kenya Kyrgyzstan Cambodia Kazakhstan Laos Lebanon Sri Lanka Liberia Lesotho Madagascar Mali Myanmar Mauritania Mauritius Malawi Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Nepal OPT Papua New Guinea Philippines Pakistan Rwanda Seychelles Sudan Sierra Leone Senegal Somalia Sao Tome and Principe Swaziland Turkmenistan Chad Togo Thailand Tajikistan Timor-Leste Tanzania United Arab Emirates Uganda Uzbekistan Vietnam Western Sahara Yemen South Africa Zambia Zimbabwe | GLOBAL: Investment key to disaster preparedness | Economy Environment Natural Disasters | News Item: "Philippines senator Loren Legarda noted that China managed to save US$12 billion in rehabilitation costs thanks to its $3 billion investment in flood control. 'We need to look at disaster risk reduction as an investment rather than a cost,' says Legarda. 'In the long term it will be much more effective.'"

Tennant Warns Against Charity Fraud - WVNS-TV - WVNSTV.com

Tennant Warns Against Charity Fraud - WVNS-TV - WVNSTV.com: "Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant is urging people who want to donate supplies to flood victims in southern West Virginia to check on the charity before donating.

CHARLESTON -- A complete database of charities licensed to solicit contributions can be found by visiting www.wvsos.com and clicking on the “Charities Section” icon."

In Asia » Blog Archive » A Silver Lining in Post-Earthquake China

In Asia » Blog Archive » A Silver Lining in Post-Earthquake China: "A year has passed since the Sichuan Earthquake and, while much has been accomplished, there is still so much more to be done. Last month I again had the opportunity to visit the earthquake affected area along with several Give2Asia colleagues and donors. As I have been from the start, I was impressed by the resilience and optimism of the people we met. Despite the loss of their homes, jobs and, in some cases, loved ones, they are moving forward and working hard to rebuild their lives."

Tsunami victims still homeless | The Jakarta Post

Tsunami victims still homeless | The Jakarta Post: "More than 5,000 homeless tsunami victims, who have lived in barracks since the 2004 disaster, have threatened to boycott the upcoming presidential election."

Record number of devastating disasters in 2008: Worldwatch

Record number of devastating disasters in 2008: Worldwatch: "A new snapshot of natural disasters trends based on data from 1974 to the present reveals that in 2008, some 750 natural disasters occurred worldwide, a 22 percent decline from the record 960 that occurred in 2007. While the number of smaller catastrophes (Categories 1 and 2) fell in 2008, major catastrophes continued an upward trend."

ASEAN-led humanitarian aid effort needed in Burma

ASEAN-led humanitarian aid effort needed in Burma: "Bangkok (Mizzima) - Many international and regional aid officials are now suggesting using an ASEAN-led model for all future humanitarian assistance to Burma."

Warner warns of business failures on Cedar Rapids flood video | GazetteOnline.com - Cedar Rapids, Iowa City

Warner warns of business failures on Cedar Rapids flood video | GazetteOnline.com - Cedar Rapids, Iowa City: "It’s not your average fundraising video. Cedar Rapids Small Business Recovery created the video to spread the word that many of the reopened businesses among the 650-plus that flooded in June 2008 are in danager of failing without more help."

Reuters AlertNet - A bicycle and a megaphone: saving lives in cyclone-prone Bangladesh

Reuters AlertNet - A bicycle and a megaphone: saving lives in cyclone-prone Bangladesh: "Warnings to evacuate blasted from loudspeakers strung to palm trees and mosques as thousands of volunteers armed with megaphones, whistles and bicycles delivered coastal communities in Bangladesh the bad news - a cyclone was on its way."

Disaster Relief Group Braces for Start of Hurricane Season

Disaster Relief Group Braces for Start of Hurricane Season: "June 1st marks the start of hurricane season for the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America. Experts predict as many as 14 serious storms this year. In preparation for these storms and the damage they can do, AmeriCares has stocked disaster aid in key areas prone to hurricanes."

PRI.ORG | Philanthropy in China a year after the Sichuan earthquake

PRI.ORG | Philanthropy in China a year after the Sichuan earthquake: "Last year's Sichuan earthquake prompted an unprecedented outpouring of donations and volunteers from throughout China, but has it sustained?"

ReliefWeb » Document » Sri Lanka: "Binning" farewell to disaster

ReliefWeb » Document » Sri Lanka: "Binning" farewell to disaster: "In the village of Egoda Uyana North, in southwest Sri Lanka, Sarath Fernando is using compost bins to reduce the impacts of disasters. The village has a long history of epidemics, urban flooding and other environmental issues and was particularly affected by the December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, which destroyed apart of the community."

Charleston Daily Mail - West Virginia News and Sports - AP Featured News - Disaster aid available for some WVa nonprofits

Charleston Daily Mail - West Virginia News and Sports - AP Featured News - Disaster aid available for some WVa nonprofits : "CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Federal disaster loans are available for homeless shelters, libraries and other private nonprofit organizations in Mingo and Wyoming counties affected by recent storms, flooding and landslides."

Reuters AlertNet - Donors or survivors: who are aid groups more accountable to?

Reuters AlertNet - Donors or survivors: who are aid groups more accountable to?: "In the latest poll by the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP), which runs a global quality assurance scheme for humanitarian agencies, just a quarter of respondents rated relief groups as being highly accountable to intended beneficiaries, compared with 74 percent when it came to official donors."

Asian American Giving: Saving the Qiang children

Asian American Giving: Saving the Qiang children: "Saving the Qiang children

Last year, we were faced with two disasters in Asia. Many individuals, families, foundations and corporations in the U.S. stepped up and generously supported the disaster relief and recovery of Cyclone Nargis in Burma and the Sichuan Earthquake in China. I had invited several authors to pick a topic that was not in the mainstream news but related to the disasters. For the next several posts, we hope our readers will enjoy these stories."

Jakarta Globe

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Jakarta Globe: "International Agencies Pledge Disaster Help for Asean Nations

Denpasar. The United Nations and the World Bank pledged on Monday to work more closely with Southeast Asia in tackling the rising threat of natural disasters in the heavily-populated region.

Meeting in Bali, representatives of the World Bank and the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction signed an agreement for technical assistance to help the Association of Southeast Asian Nations implement a strategy to cope with disasters and the effects of climate change."

Tax Relief in Disaster Situations

Tax Relief in Disaster Situations: "Tax Relief in Disaster Situations

Recent Tax Relief

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Relief for Victims of Storms and Tornadoes in Alabama, see News Release
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Relief for Victims of Storms and Floods in Florida, see News Release
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Relief for Victims of Storms and Floods in Arkansas, see News Release
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Relief for Vicitms of Storms and Floods in Indiana, see News Release
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Relief for Victims of Storms and Floods in Georgia, see News Release
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Relief for Victims of Storms and Floods in North Dakota, see News Release
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Relief for Victims of Storms and Floods in Minnesota, see News Release
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IRS Grants Minnesota, North Dakota Flood Victims until May 15 to File Tax Returns, Make Payments, see News Release
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Relief for Victims of Storms and Tornadoes in Oklahoma, see News Release"

American Red Cross Calls on Facebook Friends for Votes

American Red Cross Calls on Facebook Friends for Votes: "The American Red Cross today announces its participation in Bullseye Gives, the first-ever Target Facebook giving campaign. From May 10 through May 25, American Red Cross’s Facebook fans, constituents, donors and supporters can vote for the organization to win a portion of a $3 million charitable donation. The more votes, the larger the donation."

globeandmail.com: Canada, Japan to strike deal aiding relief flights

globeandmail.com: Canada, Japan to strike deal aiding relief flights: "OTTAWA — Japan and Canada will clear away a diplomatic hurdle that has in the past tangled efforts to deliver aid to Asia when Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon visits Tokyo today.

Defence officials found themselves scrambling for a pit stop when a Canadian Forces C-17 loaded with aid for victims of Myanmar's cyclone Nargis tried to deliver the goods last May, because they couldn't get a quick approval from friendly Japan to touch down at one of their airports."

Non-profits must adapt, collaborate | corridor commentator

Non-profits must adapt, collaborate | corridor commentator: "Gazette Editorial

The June flood damaged the homes of 55 non-profit organizations in Cedar Rapids, making their efforts to assist flood victims even more challenging.
The record floodwaters forced many non-profits to curtail or revise operations. But the disaster also pushed to the surface an idea discussed for years: Create a human services campus where non-profit agencies, including those displaced by the flood, could share space and costs. Convenience for patrons and lower operating expenses would be goals."

Philanthropy Program Launched For Post-earthquake Reconstruction - ChinaCSR.com - Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability News for China

Philanthropy Program Launched For Post-earthquake Reconstruction - ChinaCSR.com - Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability News for China: "According to China Youth Daily, a philanthropy program has been formally launched to fund volunteer organizations that offer reputable welfare programs"

In Asia » Blog Archive » Changes in Chinese Philanthropy One Year After the Sichuan Earthquake

In Asia » Blog Archive » Changes in Chinese Philanthropy One Year After the Sichuan Earthquake: "Prior to the earthquake, philanthropy in China was a concept and activity relegated to the ultra wealthy within the country, and to corporate philanthropy from domestic and international businesses. However, the earthquake changed all of that - beginning with a groundswell of support from tens of millions of Chinese people from all walks of life, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars in international aid."

Reuters AlertNet - Did China quake open door to foreign aid groups?

Reuters AlertNet - Did China quake open door to foreign aid groups?: "Aid workers said there were gaps in China's response to the May 12 quake, which left 80,000 dead and an estimated 5 million homeless, but they were impressed by the speed and scale of its operation.

'I don't think it's really comparable to any other country in the world,' said one. 'I'm not even sure if a Western country would have that degree of mobilisatio"

Government Donates SBD$500,000 to Bushfire Victims in Australia | Economy | Solomon Islands News

Government Donates SBD$500,000 to Bushfire Victims in Australia | Economy | Solomon Islands News: "The Solomon Islands government has handed over half a million Solomon dollars to the Australian High Commission in Honiara this morning to support the fire victims of Australia."

Aid for Myanmar's Cyclone Nargis only a fraction of aid for tsunami - Monsters and Critics

Aid for Myanmar's Cyclone Nargis only a fraction of aid for tsunami - Monsters and Critics: "Bangkok - World aid for Myanmar's Cyclone Nargis has amounted to 300 million dollars, or 2.5 per cent of what was spent on the 2004 tsunami, aid agencies said Thursday as the first anniversary of the storm approaches"

Cyclone survivors left to their own devices

Cyclone survivors left to their own devices: "he reconstruction phase is still underway and in some villages it is far from being achieved: fallen trees are still obstructing roads or gardens, UNICEF or USAID tarpaulin sheets are still covering most of the roofs or walls of the houses, and construction materials are lying on the ground waiting to be used for new constructions."

Tornado Charities Raised More Money Than They Could Give Away - WTKR

Tornado Charities Raised More Money Than They Could Give Away - WTKR: "SUFFOLK – About a dozen charities raised more than $1.1 million dollars after the tornado, far more than they could give away, according to some of the groups.

NewsChannel 3 this week contacted seven charities who began collecting cash for those hardest hit a year ago. All but three said they had either given away the money, or had transferred funds to other charities. The remaining groups raised $114,000 more than they distributed, according to charity officials."

Myanmar villagers still struggle year after storm

Myanmar villagers still struggle year after storm: "International relief agencies have embarked on a three-year recovery plan, but response to a global appeal for $691 million in funding has been slow, the groups say.
Finding that money to help get people back on their feet is the biggest challenge that we face at the moment, says Andrew Kirkwood, the country director of Save the Children Fund.
Worst off are those in remote areas, such as Tin Maung Thein's village of Oak-kyiut."

Asian American Giving: China group publishes list of corporations failing to fulfill pledges

Asian American Giving: China group publishes list of corporations failing to fulfill pledges: "An organization plans to publish a list on April 24th revealing names of corporations that had pledged gifts for the Sichuan earthquake on May 12, 2008 but which have not fulfilled on their promise. CNY 100 billion, both corporate and personal, were promised but many were not fulfilled. Here's some more info from ChinaCSR site:"

The Sichuan Earthquake and the Changing Landscape of CSR in China - Knowledge@Wharton

The Sichuan Earthquake and the Changing Landscape of CSR in China - Knowledge@Wharton: "Multinational corporations have embraced the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and have introduced global policies to ensure best practices in every market. In China, however, firms that had operated under the perception that international CSR doctrines could be simply applied cookie-cutter style received a rude wake-up call in the aftermath of the May 12, 2008, Sichuan earthquake."

Reuters AlertNet - Italy earthquake 2009

Reuters AlertNet - Italy earthquake 2009: "Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi declared a national emergency, and pledged to seek hundreds of million of euros in EU disaster funds.

Berlusconi, already scrambling for funds to cope with an economic crisis, said his cabinet would provide 30 million euros ($40.60 million) for immediate assistance and vowed to rebuild L'Aquila in 28 months."

UNICEF raises 140 million HKD for Sichuan reconstruction - People's Daily Online

UNICEF raises 140 million HKD for Sichuan reconstruction - People's Daily Online: "The Hong Kong Committee for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on April 14 that it has up to now raised 140 million HKD to help the earthquake-hit areas in Sichuan with their reconstruction. The committee's Ambassadors Charlie Young, Miriam Yeung and Louis Koo also flew to Sichuan on April 14 to participate in related charity events."

Italy earthquake kills more than 90 and leaves thousands homeless | World news | guardian.co.uk

Italy earthquake kills more than 90 and leaves thousands homeless | World news | guardian.co.uk: "Scores of people were killed and tens of thousands left homeless in central Italy today after a powerful earthquake shook a mountain region, severely damaging a historic city and leaving hundreds feared trapped in rubble."

The New Straits Times Online: Malaysian relief workers heading for Gaza

The New Straits Times Online: Malaysian relief workers heading for Gaza: "KUALA LUMPUR: Members of 13 volunteer groups and non-governmental organisations will leave for Gaza next week to begin humanitarian work.
The groups, including the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Mercy Malaysia, Peace Malaysia, Haluan Palestin, Aman Palestin and Muslim Care, will work in hospitals and relief camps. They are expected to provide medical assistance, set up basic infrastructure and provide education facilities for children.

Yesterday, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, patron of the humanitarian project, presented cheques totalling RM11 million from various funds to the organisations."

Breaking News from New Orleans - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com

Breaking News from New Orleans - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com: "U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said she plans to call state and federal officials together in Washington, D.C., soon to try to settle a three-year dispute about how much FEMA owes Louisiana for Hurricane Katrina damage to Charity Hospital."

Asian American Giving: Opportunity within crisis in Myanmar

Asian American Giving: Opportunity within crisis in Myanmar: "am in Yangon visitng sites and organizations. We landed two days ago but I feel as if I have been here for a week. We have met so many people working with local and international organizations - before and after cyclone Nargis. The people are friendly and helpful and the food here is incredible."

Thousands raised for Victorian fire victims - Local News - News - General - Inverell Times

Thousands raised for Victorian fire victims - Local News - News - General - Inverell Times: "Thousands raised for Victorian fire victims
AILSA NORMAN
23/02/2009 5:35:00 PM
People from around Inverell have generously supported the Victorian Bushfire Appeal with donations flooding in from across the region.

The Inverell RSL Sub-Branch and RSL Auxiliary have made donations to both the Victorian Fire Appeal and Queensland Flood Appeal through the Inverell Salvation Army."

Costa Rica, Nicaragua Daily News–The Tico Times, NGO to raise more roofs for Costa Rica earthquake victims

Costa Rica, Nicaragua Daily News–The Tico Times, NGO to raise more roofs for Costa Rica earthquake victims: "The Chilean nongovernmental organization Un Techo Para Mi País (A Roof for My House) plans to return next week to areas damaged by the Jan. 8 earthquake to build temporary wooden houses for the families left homeless."

Scoop: Myanmar: UN Launches Post-Cyclone Recovery Plan

Scoop: Myanmar: UN Launches Post-Cyclone Recovery Plan: "Myanmar: UN Launches Post-Cyclone Recovery Plan

Speaking at the launch of a plan to rebuild the lives of millions in Myanmar affected by last year’s Cyclone Nargis, the top United Nations official to the region today stressed that strong foundations need to be in place to move beyond emergency relief to restoring economies and social services.

The three-year Post-Nargis Response and Preparedness Plan (PONREPP) provides the blue-print for the reconstruction of communities devastated by the cyclone, which battered the country in early May, leaving around 140,000 dead or missing and displacing 800,000 from their homes."

Costa Rica, Nicaragua Daily News–The Tico Times, NGO builds prefab houses for Costa Rica earthquake victims

Costa Rica, Nicaragua Daily News–The Tico Times, NGO builds prefab houses for Costa Rica earthquake victims: "NGO builds prefab houses for
Costa Rica earthquake victims

About 100 volunteers with the non-governmental organization Un Techo para mi País (A Roof for my Country) built 15 temporary homes this past weekend for families left homeless after the Jan. 8 earthquake."

Myanmar needs $700 mln in cyclone aid - U.N. | International | Reuters

Myanmar needs $700 mln in cyclone aid - U.N. | International | Reuters: "BANGKOK, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Military-ruled Myanmar needs around $700 million in aid over the next three years to recover from last year's devastating cyclone, an aid coordinating group said on Monday.

The appeal, focused on eight key areas including nutrition, health and livelihoods, comes at a time when many governments are being squeezed by the global economic crisis."

IRIN Asia | Asia | Myanmar | MYANMAR: Cyclone recovery “will take up to four years” | Food Security Natural Disasters Aid Policy | News Item

IRIN Asia | Asia | Myanmar | MYANMAR: Cyclone recovery “will take up to four years” | Food Security Natural Disasters Aid Policy | News Item: "YANGON, 15 January 2009 (IRIN) - Cyclone survivors in Myanmar will likely need up to four years to fully recover from the impact of Nargis, according to the UN."