Singapore Red Cross starts donation drive for Myanmar flood victims

A resident stands in his partially submerged home as flooding hits the village of Kyaut Ye near the town of Hinthada in Myanmar's Irrawaddy region on Aug 10, 2015. PHOTO: AFP

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has started a month-long donation drive for victims of severe flooding in Myanmar.

The SRC's appeal for funds on Tuesday comes a week after it donated US$100,000 (S$140,000) worth of relief items, including food, medicine, blankets and drinking water, to those affected by the floods.

Last Friday, the Singapore Government also pledged US$100,000 to help victims.

The flood disaster has killed at least 69 people and displaced tens of thousands.

SRC secretary-general and chief executive officer Benjamin William said: "It is difficult to ascertain the exact number of people who are affected immediately, especially when many of the affected communities are in areas made inaccessible by the floods."

"What we can expect from the worsening flash flood situation is that the number of people affected will increase exponentially," he added.

Mr Williams said that with villages inundated by flood waters, cases of waterborne diseases and medical conditions such as diarrhoea and fever are expected to increase.

Walk-in cash donations can be made at Red Cross House in 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 236486, from 9am to 6pm on Mondays to Fridays.

Cheques can also be made out to Singapore Red Cross Society, with Myanmar Flood 2015 Relief Fund, the donor's name, contact number and address written on the back of the cheque, and posted to the above address.

Enquiries to the SRC can be made at enquiry@redcross.sg or on the SRC hotline on 66640500 from 9am to 6pm on Mondays to Fridays.

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