ASIA PACIFIC DISASTERS

01/10/2009

Canadian aid agencies have come together under the banner of the HUMANITARIAN COALITION to urge Canadians to support relief efforts in Asia after a series of violent storms and earthquakes hit several countries in the region.

Ottawa, ON (Oct.1) – Canadian aid agencies have come together under the banner of the HUMANITARIAN COALITION to urge Canadians to support relief efforts in Asia after a series of violent storms and earthquakes hit several countries in the region.

The devastating week began with floods in the Philippines, caused by a tropical storm that later strengthened to a typhoon as it hit Vietnam. An earthquake then triggered a tsunami in the small island nation of Samoa, washing away homes and businesses. A day later, a powerful earthquake and its aftershocks collapsed numerous buildings on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Another typhoon is gathering strength off the coast of the Philippines and is expected to make landfall soon.

In the face of such a confluence of crises, the HUMANITARIAN COALITION, comprised of CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec and Save the Children Canada, is raising funds for the hundreds of thousands of people affected by these events. Through the coordination of these top agencies, Canadian donations will be allocated where they will be most effective.

“The scope of these disasters is dramatically widespread with hundreds of thousands  of children and families affected by collapsing buildings, flood waters, loss of electricity and lack of access to food and clean water,” said David Morley, President and CEO of Save the Children Canada.

Emergency programs include the delivery of safe drinking water, food, shelter materials and hygiene kits.

“In Indonesia, we had aid ready because this area is susceptible to this type of tragedy. Communications with the quake-zone are difficult and we are hoping for the best but having to plan for the worst,” said Oxfam-Quebec Executive Director Pierre Véronneau. “In Philippines and Vietnam, we’re focusing on where needs are the greatest. Our biggest worry is public health. If it’s not addressed quickly, it could lead to another disaster.”

With a combined presence in 120 countries, joint efforts by the members of the HUMANITARIAN COALITION provide an effective response to emergencies. The campaign has one call centre, one phone number and a joint website for online donations.

To donate, please visit humanitariancoalition.ca or send donations to THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION, P.O. Box 1221, Station K, Toronto, ON, M4P 3E4.

 

For more information:

Elysia Nisan                                                                   Justine Lesage

                                         
(416) 218-1882                                                                 514-389-7922 x. 237