The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) appealed Thursday for more funds to support relief and recovery efforts for thousands of victims of Typhoon Bopha in southern Philippines.

The IFRC is hoping to raise 3.7 million euros to help the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) support 10,000 families displaced by Bopha. The money will be used to provide immediate food and non- food relief items to the victims and finance their recovery through providing water and sanitation systems, cash grants to help restore livelihoods, and materials to rebuild homes.

Bopha, which is the strongest storm to hit the country in 2012, triggered landslides and flooding in Davao region. As of 1:00 p.m. local time, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said death toll had climbed to 327, with 437 injured, 380 missing and more than 60,000 families displaced.

PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang assured that their staff and volunteers are prepared to help Bopha victims.

"Days before the storm we put our volunteers and first responders on standby in case of any eventuality and had relief stocks in place," Pang said.

The Philippine Red Cross has monitored the progress of the typhoon through its 24 hour operation center in Manila. Its staff and volunteers serve hot, ready-to-eat meals to about 1,000 people in evacuation centers, while undertaking surveys in Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon to determine the extent of damage wrought by Typhoon Bopha.