Singapore Red Cross pledges $190,000 to support flood-hit communities in Asia

The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS), Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC), Thai Red Cross Society (TRCS) and Vietnam Red Cross (VNRC) will each receive S$50,000 SGD ($38,600) to support emergency relief and recovery efforts, the SRC said in a press release on Dec. 1.

Severe monsoon rains, tropical storms and cyclones have triggered widespread flooding and landslides across Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka, resulting in loss of life, mass displacement, destruction of homes and extensive damage to critical infrastructure.

The SRC said national societies are actively responding on the ground. Through their provincial and district chapters, they are working with local authorities to run relief centers, assist with evacuations, deliver emergency aid such as food, drinking water and essential supplies, support clean-up operations and conduct search-and-rescue efforts in the hardest-hit areas.

It noted that the TRCS has been working with local authorities in Hat Yai to support affected communities, including Singaporean tourists stranded in flooded areas.

In Sri Lanka, the SLRCS has activated emergency operations across its network of 25 branches, deploying branch disaster response teams to support rescue activities, provide first aid, distribute relief supplies and assess urgent needs. Volunteers are working around the clock to assist vulnerable families as the crisis unfolds.

Communities across Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam are enduring the devastating impact of climate-driven disasters, said Benjamin William, Secretary General and CEO of the Singapore Red Cross.

"Thousands of families have lost homes, livelihoods and access to necessities. Our sister national societies are on the frontlines delivering critical aid, and the Singapore Red Cross remains committed to standing with them," he added.