Needs in the Philippines

ICDC has been able to partner with several local NGOs to provide assistance to families devastated by Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng (known as Ketsana and Parma in the international community). Currently, the needs for basic necessities outweigh anything else, with families searching for food, clean water, shelter, and clothing.

ICDC is currently accepting donations for 1 week's worth of food for about 10,000 families. In addition, they are facing a great medicine shortage. Because of conditions brought on by the flooding, medication for diarrhea, athlete's foot, colds, hypertension, and fevers are the most essential, followed by a need for vitamins to boost immune resistance to the rampant disease.

To best offer aid for these needs, ICDC is meeting with the Red Cross about a possible 2-week medical mission to the area.

Pollution is also becoming an issue, with garbage piling up, smelling, and providing a place for fungus and disease to grow. For the moment, the best solution available in most locations is to sequester trash and debris as much as possible.

Given the incredibly large number of people affected by this disaster, ICDC does not yet know how long relief efforts are going to be necessary. They are, however, dedicated to offering aid in as many ways as possible until the crisis is over.