Red Cross Launches Appeal to Support Flood-Affected Communities

New Zealand Red Cross has launched an appeal to support people affected by severe flooding in the Bay of Plenty.

Thousands of people have been evacuated in the Bay of Plenty after the tail-end of ex-cyclone Debbie swept across the North Island, causing widespread flooding.

People can support the response to the flooding and the recovery of affected communities by donating to Red Cross’ Bay of Plenty Floods Appeal.

Red Cross Humanitarian Services Manager Jen Richardson, who has been helping with the response in Whakatane, says the damage across the region, especially in the town of Edgecumbe, is severe.

“People are unable to return to their homes. These communities have been devastated and the impact will be felt for a long time.”

Red Cross Disaster Welfare and Support Teams have been on the ground in Whakatane and Kawerau, assisting in Civil Defence centres and supporting people evacuated from their homes.

How to donate:

People can donate to Red Cross’ Bay of Plenty Floods Appeal at redcross.org.nz/donate. 100 per cent of money raised will go towards responding to the disaster and supporting the affected community. Red Cross will launch the appeal with $50,000 from the New Zealand Red Cross Pacific Disaster Fund.

For other ways to donate, visit: redcross.org.nz/get-involved/support-people-need/payment-options/.

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