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."

IRIN Asia | Asia | Myanmar | MYANMAR: Cyclone survivors benefit from cash-for-work programmes | Economy Natural Disasters Aid Policy | News Item

IRIN Asia | Asia | Myanmar | MYANMAR: Cyclone survivors benefit from cash-for-work programmes | Economy Natural Disasters Aid Policy | News Item: "INKYUT, 22 December 2008 (IRIN) - Thousands of cyclone survivors across southern Myanmar are benefiting from cash-for-work programmes being implemented by the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS)."

2theadvocate.com | News | LRA foundation won’t dissolve yet — Baton Rouge, LA

2theadvocate.com | News | LRA foundation won’t dissolve yet — Baton Rouge, LA: "NEW ORLEANS — Baton Rouge and New Orleans business leaders met Thursday to consider dissolving a rare private foundation they developed after Hurricane Katrina, but discovered — breaking up is hard to do."

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

Olivet College plans service trip to help hurricane survivors | battlecreekenquirer.com | The Enquirer: "Olivet College is planning a weeklong service trip to support Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans. A group of 27 students and two employees left Saturday, Dec. 6, following the college's final exams. The group will help rebuild areas of the city and plans to return to Olivet Sunday, Dec. 14. In addition, they will spend one night at the Morgan Scott Project in Deer Lodge, Tenn., where they will be delivering new, unwrapped toys to families in Morgan and Scott counties, two of the poorest counties in Tennessee."

New Law Encourages Cash Donations for Midwest Disaster Relief

New Law Encourages Cash Donations for Midwest Disaster Relief: "New Law Encourages Cash Donations for Midwest Disaster Relief


IR-2008-133, Nov. 25, 2008

WASHINGTON –– Taxpayers who make qualifying cash contributions for disaster relief efforts in the Midwest could benefit from a recently passed law that suspends the percentage-of-income limits that would normally apply when taxpayers deduct the contributions on their 2008 federal tax returns."

Ike donations flow slowly as global crisis takes hold | Front page | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Ike donations flow slowly as global crisis takes hold | Front page | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "everal major fundraising campaigns were launched in the weeks after the storm, with organizers pledging to use privately raised money to fill gaps in federal funding and insurance payments.

But the money raised so far — less than $19 million for the four major regional funds combined — has prompted concerns that charitable contributions will fall short."

Mainland negotiation chief praises Taiwan charity for quake aid_English_Xinhua

Mainland negotiation chief praises Taiwan charity for quake aid_English_Xinhua: "BEIJING, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chen Yunlin, chairman of the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS), has praised a Taiwan charity for its support to southwest China's quake-stricken areas."

Southern U. at New Orleans Locks Horns With FEMA Over Katrina Repairs - Chronicle.com

Southern U. at New Orleans Locks Horns With FEMA Over Katrina Repairs - Chronicle.com: "November 3, 2008
Southern U. at New Orleans Locks Horns With FEMA Over Katrina Repairs

At Southern University at New Orleans, hit hard by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, a battle between university officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has thrown into sharp relief an elevation-based discrepancy in efforts to repair the campus, reports the New Orleans Times-Picayune."

Nonprofits hit by Ike may seek SBA loans | courier-journal | The Courier-Journal

Nonprofits hit by Ike may seek SBA loans | courier-journal | The Courier-Journal: "Some Kentucky nonprofit organizations that suffered losses from the remnants of Hurricane Ike may qualify for low-interest loans, according to the Small Business Administration. Private nonprofit groups in Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, Shelby, Trimble and 28 other counties can apply.

Examples of eligible organizations are food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges, the SBA said."

Recovery incomplete 6 months after Myanmar cyclone - International Herald Tribune

Recovery incomplete 6 months after Myanmar cyclone - International Herald Tribune: "YANGON, Myanmar: Six months after Cyclone Nargis smashed into Myanmar's coastline, killing tens of thousands of people, aid groups say once-lagging relief efforts have picked up pace but the task of rebuilding and recovery is far from finished."

Myanmar appeals for more donations for schools in cyclone-hit region_English_Xinhua

Myanmar appeals for more donations for schools in cyclone-hit region_English_Xinhua: "The Myanmar education authorities have appealed for more donations to rebuild remaining basic education schools in the cyclone-hard-hit Ayeyawaddy delta region, saying that 849 such schools are still in need of fund for the move.

According to the Department of Basic Education-1 under the Ministry of Education Thursday, out of a total of 1,785 primary, middle and high schools destroyed in the cyclone that hit the region early last May, 694 have been or are being repaired, leaving 1,091 schools yet to be done for reopening."

BURMA: Cyclone Relief - Distrust of Junta Deters Donors

BURMA: Cyclone Relief - Distrust of Junta Deters Donors: "Currently, only 50 percent of the 482 million US dollars that had been sought in a U.N. flash appeal has come in, the world body states in its assessment of pledges for the natural disaster in Myanmar, as the country is also known.

The lack of funding is expected to hamper plans to meet the humanitarian needs of millions of victims and help in the early recovery programmes. Some 13 U.N. agencies and 23 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were due to dip into these funds for ‘’critically-needed assistance’’ that was to last through April 2009."

Post-Cyclone Aid Divides Myanmar | Gainesville.com | The Gainesville Sun | Gainesville, FL

Post-Cyclone Aid Divides Myanmar | Gainesville.com | The Gainesville Sun | Gainesville, FL: "Post-Cyclone Aid Divides Myanmar

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 5:11 a.m.

SITTWE, Myanmar — The cyclone that ravaged Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Delta five months ago has led to an unexpectedly robust influx of foreign money and relief workers, showering aid on a small part of Myanmar’s population but leaving other, equally desperate parts of the country to fend for themselves."

Myanmar to build up to 60,000 low-cost houses in cyclone-hit regions_English_Xinhua

Myanmar to build up to 60,000 low-cost houses in cyclone-hit regions_English_Xinhua: "Myanmar has targeted to build up to60,000 low-cost houses for homeless cyclone victims in Ayeyawaddy and Yangon divisions hit by cyclone Nargis in early last May, a local weekly reported Tuesday.

The low-cost housing projects have been implemented by 69 private companies since June under the country's rehabilitation program and so far, 7,539 of such houses have been donated by the government and well-wishers, the Pyi Myanmar quoted the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement as saying."

International Day for Disaster Reduction | Pakistan Times!

International Day for Disaster Reduction | Pakistan Times!: "United Nations officials are marking the International Day for Disaster Reduction with a call to invest more to make hospitals safe in the event of natural hazards such as earthquakes and cyclones, stressing that doing so not only saves lives but is highly cost-effective.

Hospital safety is the theme of this year’s Day, which falls on the third anniversary of the earthquake in South Asia – a disaster which destroyed 73 per cent of the health facilities in the affected area of Pakistan."

Myanmar Times & Business Reviews

Myanmar Times & Business Reviews: "Following his meeting in Bangkok, Mr Ban is also expected to visit Myanmar to hold talks on the country’s political situation.

During a previous visit to Yangon, Mr Ban’s special envoy, Mr Ibrahim Gambari, reportedly said the UN chief would visit Myanmar in the third week of December."

What have the LTTE’s NGO/INGO friends being doing in Sri Lanka? | Asian Tribune

What have the LTTE’s NGO/INGO friends being doing in Sri Lanka? | Asian Tribune: "What have the LTTE’s NGO/INGO friends being doing in Sri Lanka?
Fri, 2008-10-03 05:54

By Shenali Waduge

Sri Lanka’s NGO/INGO sector number 3500 (7 per every square mile). Many of those who question the actions of these “humanitarian aid workers” base their argument on the type 'work' that has been done by them, why they are unmonitored & why they lack transparency and impartiality. As the Sri Lankan armed forces march to liberate the North of LTTE hegemony what these NGOs/INGOs have been doing can be finally unearthed (pun intended) & expose who actually benefitted from their 'humanitarian' kindness."

No 'means test' pledge as flood fund pays out - Morpeth Herald

No 'means test' pledge as flood fund pays out - Morpeth Herald: "ALL flood victims will be entitled to cash from the Morpeth appeal fund, it has been confirmed.
Fears had been expressed that any pay-outs would be means-tested, with only those on low incomes or in particular hardship able to benefit."

Slow recovery for Burma's cyclone victims | csmonitor.com

Slow recovery for Burma's cyclone victims | csmonitor.com: "Mya Sein Ken, Burma - The locals say things will never be the same in Mya Sein Ken, deep in the heart of the cyclone-savaged delta in southern Burma (Myanmar). Almost 300 people vanished when cyclone Nargis struck here in May. The torrent obliterated the rice crop, and locals worry they won't have enough food to survive the fall. The storm swallowed scores of houses, leaving hundreds homeless."

Tax Relief in Disaster Situations

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


Updated Sept. 25, 2008

The IRS is postponing until Jan. 5, 2009, filing and payment deadlines for Louisiana and Texas taxpayers affected by Hurricane Ike. The agency is continuing to monitor the impact of Ike. Watch this page for updates.

Tax relief is also available to victims of Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana. Certain filing and payment deadlines have been postponed until Jan. 5, 2009. See the news release for more details."

Global Voices Online » Myanmar: Aid still needed

Global Voices Online » Myanmar: Aid still needed: "Five months ago, Tropical Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar which killed more than eighty thousand people and left 50,000 missing and 20,000 injured. It was the worst natural disaster which devastated the southern part of Myanmar."

Poor roads hamper cyclone recovery in Myanmar

Poor roads hamper cyclone recovery in Myanmar: "PYAPON, 19 September 2008 (IRIN) - Bad roads continue to restrict the delivery of much-needed relief and recovery supplies to survivors of Cyclone Nargis.

The end of the rainy season this month would be the best time to begin road and bridge rehabilitation work, according to specialists.

As well as impacting organised relief operations, bad roads mean fewer private Burmese donors are reportedly travelling to the affected areas, while commodity prices are up due to higher transport costs."

CNN || Galveston residents can return Wednesday

CNN || Galveston residents can return Wednesday: "(CNN)
Residents of Galveston Island, Texas, who were evacuated before Hurricane Ike strafed the Texas Gulf coast can return to their homes Wednesday, but they will find few comforts, Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas said Saturday."

Beth's Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: Supporting the Red Cross: Social Media Road Block

Via Beth Kanter's Blog.

Beth's Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: Supporting the Red Cross: Social Media Road Block: "he National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has issued a roadblock encouraging radio stations to simultaneously air public service advertising in support of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund."

Debating Donations for Disasters - Philanthropy.com

Debating Donations for Disasters - Philanthropy.com: "Debating Donations for Disasters

Disasters such as the September 11 attacks, the tsunamis in Asia, and Hurricane Katrina spurred Americans to dig deep to support those in need.

But as charities such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are appealing for help in the wake of the recent hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, some experts conclude that donors should be directing their money elsewhere."

Charity group borrows money to fund hurricane aid :: WRAL.com

Charity group borrows money to fund hurricane aid :: WRAL.com: "Raleigh, N.C. — Faced with tough economic times and the need for aid in Texas following Hurricane Ike, the local Red Cross has had to borrow money to provide relief efforts, officials said Wednesday."

Charities Have Raised $25-Million for Hurricane Relief -- a Sum They Say Falls Far Short of Needs - Philanthropy.com

Charities Have Raised $25-Million for Hurricane Relief -- a Sum They Say Falls Far Short of Needs - Philanthropy.com: "Charities Have Raised $25-Million for Hurricane Relief -- a Sum They Say Falls Far Short of Needs

By Holly Hall and Sue Hoye

American charities have raised about $25-million so far for hurricane-relief efforts — much less than nonprofit groups typically raise in the days immediately after big-scale disasters — and far short of the hundreds of millions of dollars officials say are needed to help people harmed by the storms."

The Hawk Eye

The Hawk Eye: "United Way fundraisers recognize raising money weeks after flooding inundated area towns can be challenging, especially as many families remain uncertain about the future of their homes."

With donors worn out, charitable giving dries up | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

With donors worn out, charitable giving dries up | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "AUSTIN — When Hurricane Rita blew the roof off Jane Moore's Port Arthur home three years ago, a faith-based group helped put her house and life back together.

'They provided such a tremendous service to me,' she said. 'Not just the home, but the personality of the volunteers and their caring about me and my children.'

Now, the 47-year-old bank employee again finds herself in a shelter hundreds of miles from her hometown, wondering what damage Hurricane Ike may have done to the house she has lived in all her life."

Charity auction wins World Emergency Relief £7,000 for Burma work

Charity auction wins World Emergency Relief £7,000 for Burma work: "International relief and development charity World Emergency Relief (WER) has been presented with a cheque for nearly £7,000 from Slough-based acoustic ceiling company OWA.

The funds for the donation were raised through a charity auction at the company’s massive 25th anniversary bash, held in central London earlier this year. The event drew more than 200 guests from as far afield as Brazil, Hong Kong, South Africa, USA, Turkey, Russia, Poland, Belgium, Holland and France as well as from OWA’s headquarters in Amorbach, Germany."

Falcons to sign shoes for charity | ajc.com

Falcons to sign shoes for charity | ajc.com: "wo Atlanta Falcon players will help raise money today for shoes for the victims of the hurricanes that battered the Gulf coast in recent weeks.

Todd McClure and Jonathan Babineaux will sign autographs in exchange for donations of $2 (minimum) or a pair of gently worn shoes. The event is at Shoe Carnival, 3825 Venture Point Parkway, in Duluth ."

UN wants RI to lead Myanmar relief efforts_oscillator circuit_oscillator crystal oscillator oscillator circuit oscillator frequency voltage oscillator colpitts oscillator oscillator design

UN wants RI to lead Myanmar relief efforts_oscillator circuit_oscillator crystal oscillator oscillator circuit oscillator frequency voltage oscillator colpitts oscillator oscillator design: "Abdul Khalik and Lilian Budianto With the United States and other Western countries denied access to cyclone-ravaged Myanmar, the UN is asking Indonesia to take the lead in the region to help the reclusive country cope with the disaster. Indonesia could draw on its experience with the 2004 tsunami in Aceh to help Myanmar handle the disaster, UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) executive director Noeleen Heyzer said. 'Indonesia did amazing work in responding to the tsunami in Aceh and has become a leader in effective natural disaster response. Therefore, I would like ESCAP to facilitate a strong Indonesian role in Myanmar,' she told The Jakarta Post on Friday."

The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK - Red Cross plea is answered by donation from the United Way

The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK - Red Cross plea is answered by donation from the United Way: "United Way of Enid and North-west Oklahoma donated $40,000 to the chapter Monday afternoon to help with disaster relief in the Fairview and Burlington areas."

WFP faces 11.2-million-dollar shortfall in Myanmar

WFP faces 11.2-million-dollar shortfall in Myanmar: "Yangon - The UN World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday welcomed a donation of 1.9 million dollars from the European Union for food relief for Myanmar's Rohingha minority group but noted it was still suffering a 11.2-million-dollar shortfall this year."

Charities Anticipate Major Damages From Hurricane Ike - Philanthropy.com

Charities Anticipate Major Damages From Hurricane Ike - Philanthropy.com: "Charities Anticipate Major Damages From Hurricane Ike

By Caroline Preston

In the wake of Hurricane Ike’s destructive tear through Texas, relief groups continued to feed and shelter thousands of evacuees from Galveston, Houston, and other areas damaged by the storm.

But many charities were concerned about how they would pay for their aid efforts, given that few had raised anywhere near the amount necessary to help victims of Hurricane Gustav alone."

IRS Issues Disaster Relief Updates | Planned Giving Design Center

IRS Issues Disaster Relief Updates | Planned Giving Design Center: "After a disaster or in another emergency hardship situation, people may be interested in using a charitable organization to help victims. In its current Exempt Organization Update, the IRS reviews a number of resources to help them accomplish this goal."

TV stations opt to offer wall-to-wall coverage of Ike | | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

TV stations opt to offer wall-to-wall coverage of Ike | | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Having weathered Hurricane Ike's onslaught alongside their viewers, news crews and technicians at Houston's network affiliates continued operating Sunday as, in the words of one station official, a public utility.

Officials at all four stations said they would evaluate wall-to-wall coverage over the next day or so based on developments, but would maintain stepped-up operations as Houston transitions from the storm to the recovery phase.

At Channel 2, news director Skip Valet was rotating crews on and off duty to cover what he described as the most challenging part of the story of Hurricane Ike."

TACVB Emergency Information System

TACVB Emergency Information System: "Prepare For Hurricane - The Plan
BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON STARTS

* Plan an evacuation route.
Contact the local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter, and ask for the community hurricane preparedness plan. This plan should include information on the safest evacuation routes and nearby shelters."

Aid crews to fan out in Texas | The Journal Gazette

Aid crews to fan out in Texas | The Journal Gazette: "Late Wednesday afternoon, Red Cross volunteer Jo Milliken, 59, got a call asking whether she could leave for Texas the next day to help feed people displaced by storms that have affected the region.

By noon Thursday, Milliken was among seven Red Cross volunteers awaiting a flight from Fort Wayne"

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Texas Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Texas Issued by the National Weather Service: "Last update: 09.11.08 - Thu - 01:32:37 PM (EDT)
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Texas
Issued by the National Weather Service
This page contains watches, warnings and advisories that are in effect for Texas. This file is usually updated about every two minutes. This same information is available in other file formats including the XML based RSS and CAP formats. Comments and Feedback are welcome about this product."

Shelters: Texas - Hurricane Info Wiki

Shelters: Texas - Hurricane Info Wiki

NYT: Thousands in Texas Flee Hurric

NYT: Thousands in Texas Flee Hurric: "Hurricane Ike, having spun away from Cuba and roared into the Gulf of Mexico, moved toward Texas with growing strength on Thursday as thousands of people fled coastal areas.

After pummeling Haiti, Cuba and other parts of the Caribbean, the storm refueled in the Gulf and headed toward landfall somewhere from Corpus Christi northeastward to Galveston. It is expected to arrive in Texas late Friday or early Saturday and could strengthen to a Category 3 hurricane over the next day or two."

UNICEF - UNICEF in emergencies - In the wake of three other storms, Hurricane Ike devastates the Caribbean

UNICEF - UNICEF in emergencies - In the wake of three other storms, Hurricane Ike devastates the Caribbean: "NEW YORK, USA, 8 September 2008 – As the fourth major storm in less than a month barrels through the Caribbean, governments and aid groups are struggling to provide support to hundreds of thousands of people affected by high winds and massive flooding."

Three Cantors tuning up to help victims of the Myanmar cyclone

Three Cantors tuning up to help victims of the Myanmar cyclone: "he trio of Anglican priests from Ontario, in town this week for a fundraising benefit, began its concert-making ways in earnest after attracting notice while singing at services at London's St. Paul's Cathedral. Their name, the Three Cantors -- a cantor being a person who leads the singing at church -- is a light-hearted take-off on the Three Tenors that just seemed to fit."

Gustav has local nonprofits feeling pinch | ShreveportTimes | The Times

Gustav has local nonprofits feeling pinch | ShreveportTimes | The Times: "Donations for some nonprofits already were slow to arrive before the storm. But a need to help after the hurricane hit led local organizations to count pennies.

Among the hardest hit is the northwest Louisiana chapter of the American Red Cross. The organization ran a shelter at LSU-Shreveport while manning others and preparing food."

Tax Relief in Disaster Situations

Tax Relief in Disaster Situations: "The IRS is providing relief to victims of Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana. Certain filing and payment deadlines have been postponed until Jan. 5, 2009. See the news release for more details.

With an active hurricane season underway, the IRS recommends that taxpayers in vulnerable areas take steps now to protect their tax and financial records. For further information on hurricane recovery, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency hurricane response page."

EMERGENCY.louisiana.gov

EMERGENCY.louisiana.gov: "PRESS RELEASE

Federal Government Approves Launch of Disaster Food Stamp Program
Department of Social Services News Update
BATON ROUGE , La. (September 5, 2008) - The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services (USDA/FNS) has approved the operation of a Disaster Food Stamp Program in 31 Louisiana parishes. These parishes contain an estimated 380,000 households that will be eligible for disaster food benefits and already serve more than 150,000 households in the regular Food Stamp program. Participants in the regular program do not need to apply; their benefits will automatically be lifted to the maximum amount allowable for September and their August benefits have been increased by 20% in order to replace lost food."

GoErie.com: First-aid shiparrives in Haitian city

GoErie.com: First-aid shiparrives in Haitian city: "GONAIVES, Haiti -- U.N. peacekeeping troops began handing out food and water to famished Haitians on Friday after the first shipload of aid sailed into a crumbling port on the outskirts of this flooded city, where tens of thousands are stranded in the wake of Tropical Storm Hanna."

News : St. Mary evacuation key for hurricane results (New Iberia, LA)

News : St. Mary evacuation key for hurricane results (New Iberia, LA): "Four days after Hurricane Gustav passed through West St. Mary Parish, parish officials say the area is slowly returning back to normal.

Duval Arthur, director of the St. Mary Office of Emergency Preparedness, said as of Thursday, 40 percent of power has been restored to Franklin and Baldwin, and he expects that number to rise significantly today after extra crews were brought in Thursday."

How New Orleans Coped With Gustav | Newsweek News | Newsweek.com

How New Orleans Coped With Gustav | Newsweek News | Newsweek.com: "he sign and its addenda ('Still Here. Woman Left Friday, Cooking a Pot of Dog Gumbo, Still Got Claw Hammer') was so emblematic of the city's post-Katrina troubles as well as the resilience and highly necessary sense of humor of its residents that it is now part of the Louisiana State Museum's permanent collection. So when Gustav reared his ugly head, Rue was forced to paint another: 'Don't Try. Sleeping Inside with a .357, a Pit Bull, and Six Big Snakes.' Except that this time his graffiti served largely to entertain. To date only two episodes of looting have been reported, and all seven perpetrators were apprehended on the scene by cops out in full force."

Hurricane Relief Efforts Create Red Cross Debt, Nonprofit Says - washingtonpost.com

Hurricane Relief Efforts Create Red Cross Debt, Nonprofit Says - washingtonpost.com: "The American Red Cross said this morning it is going deep into debt to fund a $70 million Hurricane Gustav relief effort, an unusual occurrence even as the nation's biggest disaster-aid charity braces for a trio of powerful storms lurking in the Atlantic.

The Red Cross has raised less than $5 million toward its Gustav expenses, officials said. To recoup its Gustav cost -- most of it borrowed money -- the nonprofit organization plans to roll out an aggressive national campaign Monday."

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide: "Sept. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Gustav, now downgraded to a depression over western Louisiana, spared New Orleans the devastation wrought three years ago by Katrina, as Hurricane Hanna hit the Bahamas on a course for the Carolinas."

Hanna lashes Bahamas, Ike forms over Atlantic - AOL News

Hanna lashes Bahamas, Ike forms over Atlantic - AOL News: "Hanna lashes Bahamas, Ike forms over Atlantic
By VIVIAN TYSON,
AP
Posted: 2008-09-02 09:16:14
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos (AP) - Hurricane Hanna slumped to tropical storm strength while grinding away at the Bahamas and other Atlantic islands on Tuesday, and forecasters said it still poses a hurricane threat to the U.S. East Coast."

Five Navy helicopters from Norfolk respond to hurricane | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com

Five Navy helicopters from Norfolk respond to hurricane | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com: "Five Navy helicopters with a dozen rescue swimmers headed south this morning to help as Hurricane Gustav reached the Gulf Coast.

Meanwhile, plans for a major relief effort there continued to flow through downtown Portsmouth via the Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command, where about 40 to 50 people are working in the offices at 431 Crawford St., said Lt. Rob Wyman, a Coast Guard spokesman."

AFP: New Orleans under flood threat as Gustav tears into US coast

AFP: New Orleans under flood threat as Gustav tears into US coast: "New Orleans under flood threat as Gustav tears into US coast

4 hours ago

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) — Ferocious rain and wind gusts unleashed by Hurricane Gustav pushed water cascading over protective works in New Orleans Monday three years after Katrina swamped the fabled jazz city.

Wave surges washed over a levee wall lining a portion of the city's Ninth Ward -- ground zero of the disaster in 2005 -- and water had reached as high as road signs around the Industrial Canal in the ward's north."

Tech Steps Up in Post-Katrina Relief Efforts - TheStreet.com

Tech Steps Up in Post-Katrina Relief Efforts - TheStreet.com: "Editor's note: This is the final part of a series on improving disaster response in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Shortly after Katrina hit Aug. 29, 2005, crews in California were preparing to fly C-130 cargo planes to stricken areas of the Gulf Coast, initially to send search-and-rescue teams and, later, to airlift cargo and displaced residents.

Yet they had to wait two days on the tarmac while authorities compiled vital information on weather, flight routes and the status of airports and runways."

As Gustav Lands, There Are Lessons to Be Learned

As Gustav Lands, There Are Lessons to Be Learned: "Hurricane Gustav, the largest and most dangerous storm to make landfall in recent years, roars ashore today. No doubt, politicians and pundits will be quick to make comparisons to the disaster response three years ago after Hurricane Katrina ravaged millions of square miles over three states and devastated coastal areas, including the city of New Orleans."

Yes, it's largest evac in LA history | Weather Watch

Yes, it's largest evac in LA history | Weather Watch: "f you’re among the many who have been wondering, officials are confirming the evacuation in Louisiana ahead of Hurricane Gustav was the largest in state history.

More than 1.9 million residents were evacuated, emergency management officials said today."

Beth's Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: Get Involved in Gustav Online Volunteer Efforts

Beth's Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: Get Involved in Gustav Online Volunteer Efforts: "As you know by now, Hurricane Gustav looks even more destructive than Katrina (see this round up from Lisa Stone, BlogHer, of the news reports and links). Three years ago, in the wake of the devastating storm, social media and others started organizing online. This time, online organizing efforts using social media are happening before the storm hits."

Looming hurricane may deal a blow to Gulf oil - Sep. 1, 2008

Looming hurricane may deal a blow to Gulf oil - Sep. 1, 2008: "NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- As officials evacuated New Orleans, the oil industry shut down rigs and pulled back personnel as Hurricane Gustav bore down on the Gulf coast over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

A lot is at stake as the industry faces potentially its worst storm since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated crude and gas facilities in 2005."

Chicago breaking news, local news, Chicago sports, Chicago weather, business, jobs -- chicagotribune.com

Chicago breaking news, local news, Chicago sports, Chicago weather, business, jobs -- chicagotribune.com: "Gustav weakens to Category 2 storm

The hurricane is on track to hit west of New Orleans as the few remaining in the city watch nervously and hope levees only partly reinforced in the three years since Katrina will hold."

Hurricane Gustav's clouds begin to roll in, and a fearful New Orleans becomes a ghost town

Hurricane Gustav's clouds begin to roll in, and a fearful New Orleans becomes a ghost town: "NEW ORLEANS - With Hurricane Gustav just a day away from a possible monster hit on New Orleans, the mayor Sunday pleaded with the last of its residents to get out, imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on those who stay and warned looters they will be sent directly to prison."

American Red Cross - Preparing Communities for an Emergency and Keeping People Safe - Preparedness

American Red Cross - Preparing Communities for an Emergency and Keeping People Safe - Preparedness: "As mandatory evacuations are issued in the Gulf Coast states, the American Red Cross is starting to receive evacuees in shelters throughout the Gulf Coast."

Main Page - Hurricane Gustav Wiki

Main Page - Hurricane Gustav Wiki: "Hurricane Gustav

This is the wiki for information relating to Hurricane Gustav and its approach to the northern Gulf coast. It's intended to be centralized site for links to information everywhere else on the web; please publicize it far and wee. Information will be moved here as time progresses from the similar wiki built during and after Hurricane Katrina's landfall 3 years ago. Please be polite and patient in working with the wiki and the community it attracts, to the extent that you can, and hopefully, everyone will get through this one in one piece.

As usual, the main page of the wiki is protected against general editing. If you have a link you think belongs here, please put it on the Discussion page, and we'll triage it up here as soon as possible. If you want to help out on the wiki or the transcription project, please at least scan over the entire front page; there's lots of good meta here.

Please do not start adding new pages yet. We are still implementing structure and establishing best practices."

PhilanTopic: Gulf Coast Recovery Three Years After Katrina

PhilanTopic: Gulf Coast Recovery Three Years After Katrina: "Gulf Coast Recovery Three Years After Katrina

It's hard to believe three years have passed since Hurricane Katrina delivered widespread devastation to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region -- or that another hurricane, Gustav, now a category 4 storm, has drawn a bead on southeastern Louisiana and could make landfall as early as Monday."

Charities Brace for Hurricane Gustav - Philanthropy.com

Charities Brace for Hurricane Gustav - Philanthropy.com: "Charities Brace for Hurricane Gustav

By Peter Panepento

Charities are preparing for a major disaster recovery effort as Hurricane Gustav bears down on the Gulf Coast for a predicted Monday afternoon landfall.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are dispatching swarms of employees and volunteers to help those who are being evacuated for the storm and to be ready for what could be a relief effort on par with the effort that followed Hurricane Katrina three years ago. (Read The Chronicle’s most recent update on how nonprofit leaders are rebuilding the city and listen to audio excerpts from people who moved to the city to help with the recovery.)"

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms on Yahoo! News

We are posting a variety of informational links Re Hurricane Gustav. Standard Disclaimers apply.


Hurricanes and Tropical Storms on Yahoo! News: "NEW ORLEANS - With Hurricane Gustav just a day away from a possible monster hit on New Orleans, the mayor Sunday pleaded with the last of its residents to get out, imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on those who stay and warned looters they will be sent directly to prison."

Direct outreach to the (non-geek) folks in the disaster zone. - Gustav Information Center

Direct outreach to the (non-geek) folks in the disaster zone. - Gustav Information Center: "For those who want to apply social media skills to provide direct assistance to the storm victims/survivors and volunteers - and we're talking our non-geek citizens at the shelters, churches, agencies, etc - here is a repost from my 2005 Hurricane Disaster Direct Relief blog of how I did it for Katrina. This simple effort was breathtakingly successful, well beyond our expectations as described in this NY Times piece)

What we did and could do again (I can assist in this effort):"

Foundation Center - Focus on Gulf Coast Hurricane Giving

Material from the Foundation Center Focusing on Gulf Coast 3rd Anniversary.

Foundation Center - Focus on Gulf Coast Hurricane Giving: "Special Interactive Feature

We are pleased to launch the first in a special, regularly recurring series designed to give you fast facts, visual snapshots, and related news and research about current news events or timely topical issues. Our first feature relates to the third anniversary of the Gulf Coast hurricanes."

A variety of postings today on Katrina 3rd Anniversary

Elsewhere on this blog you will find some stories about Katrina and the 3rd Anniversary and also about Gustav. Particularly as it relates to fundraising.

Philanthropy Front and Center-San Francisco: Mapping Foundation Response to the Gulf Coast Hurricanes

Philanthropy Front and Center-San Francisco: Mapping Foundation Response to the Gulf Coast Hurricanes: "As the third anniversary of the devastation caused by the Gulf Coast hurricanes is upon us those of us working in the nonprofit sector might find ourselves pausing and reflecting on the great need the hurricanes left in their wake and the subsequent outpouring of philanthropic support."

Greencastle Banner-Graphic: Story: Red Cross concludes fundraising

Greencastle Banner-Graphic: Story: Red Cross concludes fundraising: "Red Cross concludes fundraising
Friday, August 29, 2008
By MARIBETH WARD, Staff Writer

The American Red Cross recently announced they have received sufficient funds and pledges to cover the costs of their response to the recent flood disaster in the Wabash Valley.

The massive Red Cross relief operation, the largest in Indiana in 70 years, is expected to cost between $4.5 and $5 million. The Wabash Valley's piece of that cost is expected to be in excess of $480,000."

Coast hooks up with Jerry's telethon - Health & Fitness - SunHerald.com

Coast hooks up with Jerry's telethon - Health & Fitness - SunHerald.com: "For 15 years WLOX-13 has broadcast the international MDA Labor Day Telethon, adding a local touch with its own on-air personalities and interviews with regional families affected by muscular dystrophy. One other TV station in Mississippi, Fox affiliate WUFX in Jackson, broadcasts the telethon, but the coastal region brings in the most donations.

The first year after Hurricane Katrina the fundraising was put on hold because it was to be a week after the storm, and in 2007 a lower gaol was set by the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Mississippi and WLOX. They were surprised at the response and last year's record-breaking contributions."

Lakelanders return from cyclone relief effort (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Lakelanders return from cyclone relief effort (From The Westmorland Gazette): "WO Lakeland men returned from a relief operation in the cyclone-devastated region of Burma this week.

Hamish Wilson and Rupert Miller travelled to Burma immediately after Cyclone Nargis struck the west coast of Myanmar on May 2 effecting over 2.5 million people."

Editorial - Not Ready for Gustav - Editorial - NYTimes.com

Editorial - Not Ready for Gustav - Editorial - NYTimes.com: "Three years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, residents there are nervously watching the progress of Tropical Storm-threatening-to-be-Hurricane Gustav. No less nerve-wracking is the knowledge that federal emergency planners have failed to come up with a new strategy for providing housing to disaster victims."

FEMA official: Gustav 'potentially the largest' storm since Katrina - On Deadline - USATODAY.com

FEMA official: Gustav 'potentially the largest' storm since Katrina - On Deadline - USATODAY.com: "A top FEMA official described Tropical Storm Gustav as 'potentially the largest' hurricane to make landfall since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005, according to USA TODAY's Donna Leinwand."

Gustav Online Newsroom

Gustav Online Newsroom: "Be Red Cross Ready. This checklist can help you prepare:"

Hands-on care, from the ER to Myanmar's borders - MLive.com

Hands-on care, from the ER to Myanmar's borders - MLive.com: "The catastrophic cyclone that struck Myanmar in early May, killing at least 130,000 people, was a tragedy that captured world attention.

In the months since, Susan Klimist has been stuffing a backyard shed with medical, cleaning and relief supplies for the cyclone's victims."

Charities Started After Katrina Contemplate a New Role - Philanthropy.com

Charities Started After Katrina Contemplate a New Role - Philanthropy.com: "Charities Started After Katrina Contemplate a New Role

Some of the charities created in the Gulf Coast to provide recovery aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina will cease operations or merge with others in coming months and years because competition for money has grown more intense, reports New Orleans City Business."

Warm Welcome Gulf Coast

Warm Welcome Gulf Coast: "Warm Welcome Gulf Coast, an initiative of Back Bay Mission, is an outreach campaign to position affordable housing as critical to rebuilding the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Warm Welcome seeks to build upon the Coast’s rich tradition ofdiversity by promoting high-quality and well-maintained affordable housing. The development ofdiverse housing opportunities benefits local economies,improves neighborhoods, and supports working and senior homeowners and renters. Warm Welcomeand its supporters believe that the Mississippi Coast must foster a welcoming environment for affordable housing, because hospitality is more than just a slogan."

Navy Compass - San Diego Official Navy Newspaper - Boxer Sailors Help Communicate Maritime Strategy to Business Leaders

Navy Compass - San Diego Official Navy Newspaper - Boxer Sailors Help Communicate Maritime Strategy to Business Leaders: "The event provided Boxer Sailors a venue to communicate the strategy by educating more than 5,000 executives on the ship’s recent role in the humanitarian civic assistance mission Continuing Promise 2008, where Boxer spent two months in Central and South America providing medical and engineering assistance to Guatemala, El Salvador and Peru.

The ASAE event was designed to recognize the five key areas of San Diego’s economy including the Navy."

Delegation sees uneven recovery in New Orleans | Catholic Sentinel

Delegation sees uneven recovery in New Orleans | Catholic Sentinel: "This is the first year a group from St. Charles has gone to the damaged city. They joined a delegation from St. Andrew Parish, which has made the trek for three years. This was the second year that the Oregon Catholics focused efforts on St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish in the Upper Ninth Ward, a largely African American faith community which defied a planned closure and has helped more than 200 parishioners get back into their homes even before fixing damaged parish buildings.