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On Monday, the National Bureau of Investigations stated that it will begin identifying the disaster victims of the cruise liner, MV Princess of the Stars, which capsized from Typhoon Frank off Sibuyan Island on June 21st.

The NBI also stated that it will require the assistance of family members to provide documentation to help facilitate the idenification process through dental records. So far, only 26 of the 862 disaster victims on board, have been identified.

The cost to perform this test will cost about $60,000 per victim and will take approximately 2 weeks, according to one NBI expert.

Verizon Wireless is using text messaging to help victims of the natural disasters in China and Myanmar. Residents in central and northeastern Pennsylvania who have Verizon post-pay cell phone service can text the word “cyclone” or “quake” to 4SAVE.
They will get a text message back asking them to confirm a $5 donation to Save the Children. By replying “Y,” the donation will be accepted and appear on the next month’s phone bill.

Customers can text up to five times for a total donation of $25.

Donations will be accepted through July 31.

Relatives of missing persons in the MV Princess of the Stars sinking, braved the stench of decomposing flesh as they viewed 49 bodies, which were brought to Cebu by Sulpicio Lines yesterday.

However, only the bodies of Juvelyin Requilme Jr., 16; Esmeralda Lequi-gan, 54; Julie Mendoza, 43; crewmember Ruel Lariba and PNP 7 Band member SPO3 Adolfo Villareal were identified by the anxious family members at the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Junque-ra St., Cebu City yesterday.

U.S. President George Bush says the United States will do it all it can to help the victims of the typhoon that struck the Philippines over the weekend. VOA’s Paula Wolfson reports following talks at the White House with Philippine President Gloria Arroyo, Mr. Bush announced plans to send a U.S. aircraft carrier to the scene.

When a ferry was capsized by a typhoon off the coast of the central Philippine island of Sibuyan, rescuers performing searches fear that all on board may have died as a result.

A distress signal was sent out by the MV Princess of the Star the previous night after Typhoon Fengshen hit the country.

A rescue vessel was dispatched, but had to return due to severe weather conditions. The vessel was carrying 626 passengers and 121 crewmembers.

Mainsource Bank CEO, President and Chairman, Daryl R. Tressler stated that they prides themselves on community involvement. So, as of yesterday, Mainsource Bank will provide interest free loans to victims of natural disasters in their time of need.

Tressler also stated, “MainSource Bank prides itself on community involvement. We recognize that families and individuals need an avenue to rebuild any personal loss that they may have incurred as the result of a natural disaster. Our Disaster Relief Loan Program will provide these families and individuals with the financial means to take care of their immediate needs including shelter, food, clothing and medication. Giving people the opportunity to rebuild their lives is just another way that MainSource Bank hopes to give back to our communities.”

Bush OKs federal storm aid for 8 counties
Hoosiers might be able to begin seeking government assistance to rebuild their lives even before the last of this week’s floodwaters have dried up.

Gov. Mitch Daniels’ office said late Wednesday that it learned President Bush had approved the first eight counties, including Marion, for federal assistance for damage from severe weather that began May 30.

The Badger Chapter of the American Red Cross opened a total of eight shelters since the beginning of the recent flooding that caused evacuations Sunday. Currently five shelters remain open based upon the needs expressed up to this time.

Shelters now operating are:

- Lake Delton Elementary School 20 W Delevan Street
- Richland Center Middle School Highway 80 South
- North Crawford High School 47050 County X Soldiers Grove
- Reedsburg Pine View Elementary School 1121 Eighth St
- Avoca Community Building

60 students from Castro Valley High School in Castro Valley, California came together to paint clay tiles and raise funds for disaster victims of China’s earthquake and Myanmar’s cyclone.

Sarah Beeston, a CVHS freshman and member of the campus Amnesty International Club said, “The idea to do this started about a week ago. We had no idea we would have such a good turnout. She also added, “Aran is super cool and gave us a deal to come here and do this. There will be more stuff coming, and we will make a difference.”

The clay tiles were painted with slogans of hope, understanding and peace and will eventually be placed into a mural at the high school. All the funds will be donated to Red Cross and Save the Children foundations.

It’s been a month since the Cyclone Nargis devastated much of Myanmar and US disaster specialists have yet to be granted permission to enter the country by the Myanmar government; who continue to impose constraints on rescue efforts.

Over 1 million disaster victims are still not receiving assistance and their present conditions are not known. Many feel that by the time adequate relief can be provided, it will already be too late.