PHILIPPINES: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cross Societies yesterday appealed for 2 million Swiss francs (€960,00) to help survivors of the Philippine mudslides feared to have killed hundreds of people.
The world's largest disaster relief network said the appeal should cover requirements for the next six months.
"The funds will be used to purchase tents, blankets, cooking utensils, mosquito nets, temporary shelter materials, hygiene articles, water purification tablets and medicines," Richard Gordon, chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross, told a news briefing in Geneva.
"We are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. . . I'm still hoping we can get some of these people out alive," said Mr Gordon, who was in Geneva for a federation board meeting.
Three teams from the Philippines National Red Cross were at the site and more would join today, including two teams with search dogs, Mr Gordon said.
Earlier, the federation said a C-130 cargo plane would fly from the capital Manila carrying 1,000 body bags, emergency trauma kits to help 1,000 people, rubber boots, ropes, clothing, flashlights and medicine.
It released 200,000 Swiss francs to provide initial assistance to victims.
The area is "disaster-prone", often hit by monsoons, flood and heavy rains, according to the Geneva-based group.
In 2004 a series of typhoons killed 1,750 people and injured another 750. A landslide in Southern Leyte killed up to 200 people in 2003.
Mr Gordon said the current situation was difficult and "very treacherous", comparing it to the 2003 tragedy.