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Donation drive ongoing for Philippines typhoon victims
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Posted on Dec 08 2004
With back-to-back typhoons devastating much of the Philippines last week, the Filipino community in the CNMI is urged to contribute to an ongoing donation drive intended to aid the victims of the disaster.
Mary Daet of the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration said yesterday that the drive, which began Tuesday, will last about two weeks before contributions are sent to the National Disaster Coordinating Council of the Philippines.
Daet said contributions can range from cash to canned goods, clothing, and blankets.
“We just accept whatever is donated by the community,” she said. “Donations may be submitted to the OWWA office located in the ground floor of the Nauru Building in Susupe.”
Daet said current donations are cash, with material assistance yet to be contributed. All contributed goods and materials would be stocked before shipment.
Daet said the disaster, although occurring hundreds of miles away, was heavily felt by member of the Filipino community.
“There really was terrible damage to properties, people, and families,” she said. “The Filipino community really felt it because they have many relatives there, so we’re trying to do what we can to help.”
“We’re asking the Filipino community, and others also, if they can help,” she said.
Meanwhile, relief efforts began pouring into the Philippines, with about 600 U.S. military troops dispatched to deliver aid.
A tropical storm lashed through the northeastern provinces on Nov. 29, killing at least 689 people while leaving about 715 missing. Typhoon Nanmadol then struck the same region three days later, killing 51 people and leaving 39 missing.
In all, at least 740 people died and 754 missing.
Damages to agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure is estimated at $55.7 million.
The Philippines is hit by about 20 storms and typhoons a year. The deaths so far this year have made it the worst season since 6,000 were killed in the central province of Leyte in 1991. (With reports from AP)
