IOM extends relief work for RP cyclone victims

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has started the "second wave" of its relief work for victims of recent cyclones, distributing hygiene kits to 8,000 families. An article on the IOM website said the hygiene kits, distributed to families in Muntinlupa City, is the second wave of its humanitarian aid. It said the 8,000 families were among those affected by tropical cyclone "Santi" (Mirinae), the most recent cyclone to hit the country. The IOM also distributed cleaning kits that included shovels, brooms, scrubs and gloves. It said the distribution of the kits will continue through the end of the week in two of the hardest hit areas – Region IV-A (Calabarzon) and the National Capital Region (NCR). Last October, IOM distributed 20,000 hygiene kits and water containers contributed by USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) to typhoon-affected families in the two areas. Citing government figures, IOM said more than 60,000 families were affected by "Santi," straining the already stretched capacity of responding agencies. IOM has appealed for some $10 million to provide health services, emergency shelter and non-food relief items for the victims, and to help the government organize evacuation centres and other displacement sites. The UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the European Commission (ECHO), and USAID (OFDA) have already committed nearly $2.25 million, which will allow IOM to help some 61,000 families over the next three. - GMANews.TV