DumagueteInfo.com Forum Members Organize Relief Efforts for Sendong Flood Victims

(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 08, 2012 ) Dumaguete, Philippines Â–Â– Forum members of DumagueteInfo.com have organized relief efforts following the aftermath of a recent storm. Tropical Storm Sendong (international name: Washi) swept through the Southern Philippines and ravaged Dumaguete City. The storm claimed many lives and destroyed hundreds of homes.

Hundreds of Filipinos in the City of Gentle People, Dumaguete, lost their homes when Tropical Storm Sendong brought in heavy rains causing floods that destroyed entire homes on December 16, 2011. This prompted concerned citizens and forum members who participate who participate in DumagueteInfo.com to act and, in a concerted effort, to address the needs of people who are left destitute of the most basic necessities of life.

The following day after the storm hit Dumaguete, an announcement was pinned on the said online forum, which in part said:

Â“URGENT

The current weather has brought with it more than its share of tragedies locally. Right now there are 50 or so families whose homes have been washed away and what little they had before has now been reduced to nothing. They are currently sheltering in the school in Batinguel. Many have just what they stand in. I am therefore making emergency funds available from the Thursday Club pot to try and help these people. Rhoody/Rechel feel that for about 100 peso we can get a set of clothing for each child from Ukay2 and that is what we will do. Helping every needy family would be great but we know that is not possible. But out attitude is helping some is better than helping none.

There was no time to discuss this with all concerned because the urgent need is NOW, and hopefully the kids will have a replacement set of clothing tomorrow (Sunday)...Â”

Members of the said forum have contributed cash, goods, and working hours in order to get the relief efforts going 24/7. The said relief efforts are still ongoing as a lot of work still needs to be done.

One of the moderators of the said forum comments:

Â“Â…Many of the people there have not much or nothing left. If you guys/girls have something left, you can be sure it goes to the right people. 1 kilo of chicken/beef soup is 250 peso and makes 50 liter, imported milk powder is less than 100 peso and feeds the youngest.

They really need all help they can get, from blanket[s] to plastic chairs to cloth[ing] to food...Â”

This is only one of the many sentiments voiced by expats and local folks who witnessed the tragedy. The group coordinates relief efforts with other organizations both government and private. The entire city is bustling with rescue and relief activities and the only reward that volunteers expect receive are tender moments of gratitude and thanks expressed in the faces of people who whose needs have been met.

Â“We can't bring their houses back, but looking into the big eyes of a poor, little child chewing some chocolate is definitely a better feeling than the buffet on a Christmas-party....Â” said Rudolf Brust moderator of DumagueteInfo.com.

Burst, otherwise known as Rhoody in the in the said online forum, was featured in a German newspaper which highlights the current tragedy and the relief efforts currently undergoing. The said news feature can be read here: http://www.bild.de/news/leserreporter/ueberschwemmung/leser-reporter-hilft-flut-opfern-auf-den-philippinen-21654036.bild.html.

For more information regarding the ongoing relief operations and to contribute your donations, visit http://www.dumagueteinfo.com/board/dumaguete-city/emergency-help-thursday-club-9893.html.

About DumagueteInfo.com

DumagueteInfo.com is an online forum and information site about Dumaguete City. It features information about tourist sites, local news, expat related information, and diving among others. A strong community spirit is one of the major strengths of this web forum and info site.

Dumaguete Info
Rudolf Brust
+639209467855
sendong_help@dumagueteinfo.com