Nepal-Tibet floods: Singapore Red Cross commits $2m more in aid, to deploy second support team in November

The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) will commit an additional $2 million in its third tranche of humanitarian aid for communities impacted by the deadly floods that swept through Nepal and Tibet on Aug 26.

This will go towards providing food and winter items, as well as targeted support for vulnerable groups such as children and women, said SRC CEO Benjamin William on Friday (Sept 25).

SRC said it deployed a six-person team to Nepal to conduct field visits to affected areas in Nuwakot and Rasuwa. The team found that winter assistance is "critical" in the coming months.

"Our team's deployment to Nepal has given us a clearer picture of what high-altitude communities are facing - from the difficulty of obtaining essential supplies to the uncertainties of rebuilding their lives," William said.

Winter relief items will include warm clothing, blankets, bedsheets and shoes, said SRC.

The organisation also plans to deploy a second team to Nepal in November. This team will expand support for the affected communities and also explore longer-term recovery and rebuilding projects.

SRC had earlier pledged a total of $220,000 in humanitarian aid in two tranches.

[[nid:744821]]

Its public fundraising appeal, launched on Aug 28, has since raised over $6.2 million.

The organisation said the donations came from from individuals, businesses and civic groups, along with support from 60 ongoing community-led fundraisers across Singapore.

The public fundraiser will run until Nov 30.

Members of the public who wish to contribute to the fundraising campaign can find more information on SRC's website.

At least 1,451 people have been reported dead, while 5,700 others, including nine Singaporeans, remain missing.

[[nid:745363]]

[email protected]