Doha: In response to Typhoon Vinta, which hit Mindanao, southern Philippines, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has issued a humanitarian appeal to raise $2m (QR 7.3m) for a 12-month relief programme.
Under the programme, the affected people will be provided with cooked foods, shelters, nonfood items, medical supplies, health services and income generation programme and education facilities.
The plan is estimated to benefit 13,380 families comprising 66,900 members, said press a release.
A team of QRCS’s mission in The Philippines visited the displaced shelter centres and host communities to examine living standards there and evaluate the urgent needs. Some 20-litre water jerry cans were also distributed.
A field assessment in the worst hit provinces showed that the much-needed services include shelter, food and nonfood items, water, sanitation and health care.
As the first international humanitarian organisation to respond to the disaster, QRCS had allocated $280,000 (QR1m) for early intervention.
This was commended by the President of the Philippine Red Cross in his media remarks and during meetings with diplomats and donors.
The relief programme to be conducted by QRCS’s mission is coordinated with local and Movement partners. Shelters worth $240,000 will be distributed and 1,200 beneficiaries will be trained in safe building and maintenance standards.
Income generation programme at the cost of $380,000 will be implemented to help them improve their livelihoods. Some 1,050 poor families will initiate their own income-generating projects.
QRCS will establish four health facilities at the cost of $354,000 to offer first aid, primary health care, emergency care, vaccination, cholera treatment, infection prevention, environmental hygiene and health awareness. These services will be made available for 40,000 beneficiaries.
Premises of four partly damaged schools will be renovated and equipped at a cost of $246,000 to help 82,772 students return to school. A major component of the programme is maintenance and rehabilitation of water sources, toilets, drinking water purification, personal hygiene promotion, and water-borne disease control. This programme will cost $380,000.
In coordination with local water authorities, new water and sanitation facilities will be built in the affected areas for the benefit of 20,000 people.
Mobile catering hubs at a cost of $400,000 will be opened to provide meals for 14,000 families (84,000 people).
Donations are raised to fund the programme, through QRCS’ hotlines (66644822 /33998898), website (www.qrcs.org.qa).
