Singapore Red Cross appeals for donations for Japan, Ecuador quake victims

SRC says it will contribute US$30,000 (S$40,226) through the Japanese Red Cross Society and the Ecuadorian Red Cross, respectively, to provide emergency relief supplies to the survivors.

Rescuers search for missing victims in the village of Minami-Aso, Kumamoto prefecture. Two major earthquakes and about 600 smaller tremors have rocked the southwestern island of Kyushu, leaving 46 people dead and more than 1,000 injured in Japan. (JIJI PRESS/AFP)

SINGAPORE: Two fundraising appeals to help survivors following major earthquakes in Japan and Ecuador have been launched by the Singapore Red Cross (SRC).

Additionally, SRC said it will contribute US$30,000 (S$40,226) through the Japanese Red Cross Society and the Ecuadorian Red Cross, respectively, to provide emergency relief supplies to the survivors, its press release on Wednesday (Apr 20) said.
A series of earthquakes have hit Japan's Kyushu region, killing at least 42 people and disrupting businesses and supply of necessities. In Ecuador, a 7.8-magnitude quake hit late Saturday and has killed at least 272.
In Kyushu, these relief supplies will include emergency medical supplies and medical assistance, and the distribution of blankets, family emergency kits, personal hygiene items, sleeping mats and tarpaulins in the evacuation centres, the press release said.
As for Ecuador, SRC’s aid will support its volunteers in rescue operations, evacuation support, as well as the provision of health care, psychosocial support and telecommunications, it added.
Chief Executive Officer of the SRC, Mr Benjamin William, said: "We are deeply saddened by the destruction and loss of lives caused by the series of earthquakes in the last few days."
Mr William added that SRC is closely monitoring the situation and working closely with its counterparts in the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) as well as the National Societies in the affected countries.
"Our Disaster Response Teams have been briefed and are on standby to be deployed on relief missions if the situation calls for it," Mr William added.
Donations can be made at the Red Cross House from 9.30am to 6pm on Mondays to Fridays.

- CNA/jq