Disasters Strike Southeast Asia

September 30, 2009

The devastation from two earthquakes near the Indonesian city and West Sumatran capital of Padang continues to mount and the death toll has climbed well past 1,000. The neighboring town of Pariaman was destroyed. On Sunday, Typhoon Ketsana struck the main island of Luzon in the Philippines and caused devastating flooding in Manila, killing hundreds. The Philippines now awaits the arrival of Supertyphoon Parma, expected to hit land October 3. Frustration is mounting among victims competing for food and emergency supplies as the government struggles to help the more than half a million people dislocated by the worst flooding in 40 years. Ketsana wreaked havoc as it swept across Southeast Asia, killing many in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Meanwhile, a deadly tsunami, triggered by an underground earthquake, hit the Samoan islands on Tuesday.

In response, Give2Asia, The Asia Foundation’s affiliate, is working on the ground with its network of local partners across Southeast Asia to identify where donors can best provide relief and recovery assistance through local charitable organizations. They are tracking several disasters in the region. To donate visit Give2Asia’s website.

• Previous in blog« Ondoy's Onslaught: Philippines Battered By Typhoon

• Next in blogIn Vietnam: Expanding Counter-Trafficking Programs in the Mekong Delta »

Contact

HIGHLIGHTS ACROSS ASIA