DESTITUTE. Many children are among the survivors of typhoon "Pablo" and have been left with nothing. Photo by Karlos Manlupig

MANILA, Philippines - Australia will donate up to P210 million in humanitarian assistance for the survivors of typhoon "Pablo" in Mindanao, the embassy said on Friday, December 7.

Close to a quarter million people have been affected by the storm especially in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley and are in dire need of food, water, clothing and other essential items.

The aid committed by Camberra will be distributed as following:

• P38.5-M to the Philippine Red Cross for emergency family kits including sleeping mats, mosquito nets and water containers
• P43-M to the World Food Programme for distribution of 1,000 tons of rice
• P4-M to the United Nations Population Fund for hygiene and health kits to be dispatched to people in evacuation centers
• P126-M for additional recovery and relief needs

“On behalf of the Australian government and people, I extend heartfelt sympathies for the loss of lives and destruction resulting from this devastating typhoon,” Australian embassy chargé d'affaires Andrew Byrne said in a statement.

Byrne commended the Philippine government for its "preparedness and response" and promised to continue working with it and other partners so "they can draw on Australian assistance as needed.” - Rappler.com