Tuesday, January 03, 2012

New forms of disaster relief a better alternative to straightforward giving - The Mainichi Daily News

New forms of disaster relief a better alternative to straightforward giving - The Mainichi Daily News: But here, in this desolate town, some locals are undertaking new efforts. In November, Masaki Takahashi, 36, the head of the planning department at long-established fish-processing company Takamasa & Co., proposed a "local buying for local consumption" scheme for relief supplies. With the cooperation of the local association of commerce and industry, he created a system by which those wanting to offer assistance can do so by purchasing goods from companies in the disaster-hit areas. Whoever wants to send aid can contact the local commerce and industry association, which supplies the names and contact information of local companies carrying the goods the callers are hoping to donate.

Friday, December 23, 2011

UN Seeks Relief Aid for Philippine Flood Victims � VOA Breaking News

UN Seeks Relief Aid for Philippine Flood Victims � VOA Breaking News: United Nations official is appealing for more than $28 million in relief aid for the Philippines, saying the area devastated by massive flash floods looks like it was hit by a tsunami.

U.N. humanitarian coordinator Soe Nyunt-U is calling on the international community to supply funding for basic needs, such as clean drinking water, food and emergency shelters, to the hundreds of thousands of victims of the natural disaster in the southern Philippines.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Foreign aid floods Sendong victims - GMA News Online - The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere

Foreign aid floods Sendong victims - GMA News Online - The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere: The governments of Malaysia and Germany have joined the relief efforts for survivors of Tropical Storm Sendong in northern Mindanao by donating money amounting to around P34 million — the latest in the long list of foreign aid being received by the Philippines in the wake of the destructive cyclone.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Clinton Bush Haiti Fund gives $1.5 million in grants to hotel, education, tech sectors - The Washington Post

Clinton Bush Haiti Fund gives $1.5 million in grants to hotel, education, tech sectors - The Washington Post: PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund says it hopes $1.5 million in grants will help Haiti build its hotel, education and technology sectors.

The nonprofit created by former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush said Tuesday it’s given a $264,000 grant to the Oasis Foundation that seeks to train potential hotel workers in hospitality services.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

KL youth help clean up Thai homes after floods - General - New Straits Times

KL youth help clean up Thai homes after floods - General - New Straits Times: SAMUT SAKHON (Thailand): About 100 Malaysian youths on Sunday provided assistance to more than 800 households in Zin Somboon housing estate in Thailand's central province here.

American Red Cross Had 137 Big U.S. Relief Operations in 46 States in Disaster-Filled 2011 - MarketWatch

American Red Cross Had 137 Big U.S. Relief Operations in 46 States in Disaster-Filled 2011 - MarketWatch: Throughout the year, the American Red Cross supported the people of Japan and Haiti, while launching 137 domestic disaster relief operations in 46 states and territories to help people affected by fires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes across the United States. In addition, major international disasters included the Japan earthquake and tsunami response and the continuing work following the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Rotary Youth Exchange Students march for flood relief - Pattaya Mail - Pattaya News, Communities, Opinions and much more...

Rotary Youth Exchange Students march for flood relief - Pattaya Mail - Pattaya News, Communities, Opinions and much more...: Nearly 200 youngsters came together for Thailand’s flood victims as the Rotary District 3340 Youth Exchange committee organized a parade through central Pattaya.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Tropical Storm Washi hits the Philippines: Food and medication on their way to disaster zone - AlertNet

Tropical Storm Washi hits the Philippines: Food and medication on their way to disaster zone - AlertNet: Cologne. Malteser International, the Order of Malta’s worldwide relief service, is supporting the emergency relief efforts in the Philippines with an initial 10,000 euros after this weekend’s flash flood left more than 650 people dead and 800 more missing. A sudden rush of water caused by tropical storm Washi caught hundreds of families in the Cagayan de Oro and Iligan provinces on Mindanao Island unaware in the middle of the night on Friday. Today, the Philippine association of the Order of Malta airlifted 1,000 kilograms of food and medication to the disaster zone. The association intends to send another load containing 1,000 kilograms of aid goods tomorrow.

Philippine Flood Relief Shifts to Aid Survivors - NYTimes.com

Philippine Flood Relief Shifts to Aid Survivors - NYTimes.com: Ms. Cabilogan, 33, moved her family to her brother’s house on the other side of town, which was less affected. But tens of thousands of people affected by the floods that devastated the southern Philippines had no such option, and by Monday, officials had turned their focus toward the welfare of the living.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Japan Society Earthquake Relief Fund Allocation Reaches $5.6 Million: Press: About: Japan Society

You can find related stories here

Japan Society Earthquake Relief Fund Allocation Reaches $5.6 Million: Press: About: Japan Society: apan Society Earthquake Relief Fund Allocation Reaches $5.6 Million
December 13, 2011

New York, NY -- Japan Society today announced it has earmarked an additional $2.5 million from its Japan Earthquake Relief Fund to seven Japanese, American and international NGOs working on economic revitalization, mental healthcare and child welfare. This latest announcement brings total allocations from the $12.1 million fund to $5.6 million distributed to 13 organizations representing 17 projects.

The latest round of disbursals will support the following organizations:
Linkin Park says disaster victims are “Not Alone” � Inside the United Nations: Welcomed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who thanked the band for using their music to help those displaced victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami. Since 2005, the Music for Relief campaign has planted over 955,000 trees and raised upwards of $4 million to help victims of natural disasters around the world. Most recently their efforts have helped those displaced by the earthquake in Haiti.

“We’re partnering up with designers to bring affordable lighting to these people,” said Mike Shinoda, co-lead vocalist of the band to MediaGlobal. “The prices start at about $5 each – I think that’s very cost effective,” lead guitarist Brad Delson quipped. “And they look cool!”

Monday, December 05, 2011

Thai king, marking 84th birthday, call for unity to overcome flooding problem - The Washington Post

Thai king, marking 84th birthday, call for unity to overcome flooding problem - The Washington Post: Thai king, marking 84th birthday, call for unity to overcome flooding problem



By Associated Press, Updated: Monday, December 5, 3:22 AM

BANGKOK — Thailand’s king called for his countrymen to unite in response to the worst floods in half a century. The revered monarch spoke Monday to mark his 84th birthday and amid deep political divisions plaguing the country.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Saint Mary's prof composes 'Music for Haiti' - southbendtribune.com

Saint Mary's prof composes 'Music for Haiti' - southbendtribune.com: effrey Jacob is no ordinary music teacher. The Saint Mary's College professor, a classically trained pianist, recorded the album "Music for Haiti" after witnessing the generous outpouring of help when an earthquake hit Haiti in 2010.

"I began this CD project in the days following the earthquake that destroyed the capital of Haiti and much of the island," he says. "Over 200,000 deaths were recorded along with at least as many serious injuries, making this one of the worst natural disasters in all recorded history. I was deeply moved by the suffering of the Haitians, but also the outpouring of international aid and cooperation, the heroic rescues, the almost unbearably touching scenes of family members reunited, the feelings expressed by many of hope for the future."

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Aid agencies urge effort to stop child deaths in Asia floods - AlertNet

Aid agencies urge effort to stop child deaths in Asia floods - AlertNet: ANGKOK (AlertNet) - Aid agencies say some of the 300 child deaths caused by floods in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam - most from drowning - could have been prevented by raising safety awareness and teaching children to swim.

Simple steps that could stop further casualties in these countries, where drowning is already a major child killer, include swimming lessons, educating families about the dangers of playing in floodwaters, and better understanding of potential disasters.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Dell Donates $350,000 for Disaster Relief in Flood Ravaged Thailand - Direct2Dell - Direct2Dell - Dell Community

Dell Donates $350,000 for Disaster Relief in Flood Ravaged Thailand - Direct2Dell - Direct2Dell - Dell Community: To help aid in the recovery, Dell is donating $350,000 to the UNICEF Thailand Disaster Relief. UNICEF is focusing on emergency relief and post-flood assistance to affected children and families in the areas of health, water supply and sanitation, hygiene promotion and education.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

$3.8M donated for wildfire relief | KXAN.com

$3.8M donated for wildfire relief | KXAN.com: AUSTIN (AP) - Charity officials said more than $3.8 million has been donated for Central Texas wildfire victims since the blazes began Labor Day weekend.

Helping Thailand's flood victims with squeegees | CNNGo.com

Helping Thailand's flood victims with squeegees | CNNGo.com: Since July, more than 530 people have died in Thailand's floods. In response, volunteers from the foreign and local communities have mobilized a fundraising campaign called "Wipe the Tide."

This month, more than 200 volunteers (and counting) have hit the streets of the capital to take action and support Thailand residents during the severe flooding crisis. Their mission is to help flood victims and rebuild the city’s devastated areas by washing car windshields for donations.

Launched by Bangkok Vanguards, a local grassroots organization, Wipe the Tide began with nine volunteers posted at major traffic intersections. In less than two hours, they raised nearly 27,750 baht.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Aid agencies warn of lack of funds for Pakistan flood relief | Global development | guardian.co.uk

Aid agencies warn of lack of funds for Pakistan flood relief | Global development | guardian.co.uk: Flood relief programmes in Pakistan could be forced to close in the next couple of months because of a lack of funds, aid agencies warned on Wednesday.

Oxfam, Save the Children, Care and Acted (Agency for Technical Co-operation and Development) say programmes could be cut back in the new year unless the donor community increases its response to flooding that has hit the Sindh region since August.

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Grants from Bama Rising Fund total $940K in first six months after tornadoes � Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham

Grants from Bama Rising Fund total $940K in first six months after tornadoes � Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham: The Bama Rising Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham is awarding an additional $340,000 to repair, rebuild and furnish homes for 75 families in 12 counties devastated by April 2011 tornadoes. With this third round of grants, this Advised Fund of the Community Foundation has awarded a total of $940,000 in 18 counties out of $2.1 million raised in a June 2011 benefit concert organized and headlined by the band ALABAMA. Current grants are:

Friday, November 04, 2011

Waterlogged Thailand will struggle to prevent future floods | Reuters

Waterlogged Thailand will struggle to prevent future floods | Reuters: As waterlogged Thailand struggles to contain the worst floods in decades, it faces a simple truth: not a whole lot can be done to avoid a repeat disaster in the short term even with a new multi-billion dollar water-management policy.