Albany, NY (October 1) — The American Red Cross is supporting relief efforts for near-simultaneous disasters in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Samoa, Tonga and Vietnam. In each of these areas, the American Red Cross has supplied volunteers, resources and/or support to the Red Cross organization in that nation. 

• Sept. 30: a 7.6-magintude earthquake was recorded off the West coast of Indonesia, about 30 miles from Padang, the capital of West Sumatra.
• Sept. 29: An 8.3-magnitude earthquake was followed by a tsunami, affecting the Pacific islands of Samoa, Tonga and America Samoa.
• Sept. 26: Typhoon Ketsana made its first landfall and dumped torrential rains in the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

Local donations needed

The American Red Cross of Northeastern New York is asking greater Capital Region residents to make donations to aid in the relief efforts for this unprecedented situation. Donations will provide shelter, food, crisis counseling, rebuilding assistance and other vitally needed support to residents and international aid volunteers in the affected areas.

Donations can be made now by calling the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York at (518) 458-8111, by visiting www.redcrossneny.org, or by mailing donations to 33 Everett Road, Albany NY 12205, and donating to either the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund or American Red Cross International Response Fund.

Please note: the American Red Cross can not accept material donations (such as blankets, food, clothing, etc.) from individuals and groups for these international disaster relief efforts.

On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Gifts will enable the Red Cross to prepare for disasters and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters.

International welfare inquiries

For inquiries about relatives living or who have citizenship in the affected areas (except for American Samoa—please see following paragraph), please try to keep calling or contact other family members who live nearby. Telephone, internet and other communication lines are often disrupted in times of disaster. People trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in the affected areas should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747 or 202-647-5225.

The Red Cross urges those who have been able to contact loved ones on American Samoa to register them with Safe and Well, the best way to share information about their status. Register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Website at www.redcross.org. If you do not have internet access, call 1-800-RED-CROSS to register your loved ones. The information you post will let other loved ones know about the well-being of those on the island. Please note: Safe and Well works only on American Samoa. The service will not work on Samoa.

Media resources

Members of the media can access broadcast-quality video and photographs, and up-to-the-minute information at the American Red Cross online newsroom at http://newsroom.redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York
ARCNENY helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Last year, nearly 1,000 residents of the Capital Region and surrounding areas were provided free, emergency assistance by ARCNENY after disasters such as fires, floods, and power outages. In addition, thousands were assisted by the Red Cross after the December 2008 ice storm; more than 700 victims received shelter with the Red Cross during that time.

The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money and blood from the American people to do its work. An average of 90 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. For more information about your local Red Cross, visit www.redcrossneny.org or call (518) 458-8111.