The devastating flash floods that hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities in the North of Mindanao Island in the Philippines have resulted in the deaths of at least 400 people and massive destruction. The flash floods were caused by typhoon "Sendong" (international name: Washi") that brought rains in one day that would be equivalent to one month. Several areas in Mindanao, the Visayas and Palawan have been affected by the weather disturbance with reports of landslides and a maritime incident.
Philippine authorities through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are leading the rescue and relief efforts along with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).
Updates about the affected areas may be obtained from the various websites of the said agencies and organization at: www.ndrrmc.gov.ph www.dswd.gov.ph and www.redcross.org.ph. Those interested in donating cash to help in the relief efforts may do so through these entities. More information on how to go about making donations may be obtained through their respective websites.
The Embassy will endeavour to provide information for those who have relatives in the affected areas as soon as these become available.