Tropical Storm Ketsana, known locally as “Ondoy,” passed through the Philippines and Vietnam September 24–26. The government of the Philippines has declared a state of calamity in several regions. According to the government, almost 2 million people have been affected by the storms, with up to 375,000 people located in evacuation centers as of September 29. The death toll is recorded at 240. Priority needs include potable water, food, nonfood emergency items, health interventions and management services for the evacuation centers. In Vietnam, the death toll is recorded at 32, with one official calling it the worst typhoon in Vietnam in more than three decades.

InterAction members are responding in both the Philippines and Vietnam, preparing assessment teams and providing water, food, nonfood emergency items and health services. Many InterAction members have a long history of working in the two countries.

A regularly updated list of agencies responding is available at: http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/flooding-philippines-and-vietnam

InterAction has also developed guidelines on the most appropriate ways to help those affected by overseas disasters.

For more information about appropriate disaster relief volunteering offers, visit the Center for International Disaster Information.