Australia gives P10M-assistance to #GlendaPH victims

MANILA, Philippines – Australia announced on Thursday, July 17, that it will provide P10 million ($229,253)* for the immediate assistance of victims of Typhoon Glenda (Rammasun) in hard-hit areas.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell, who made the announcement in a statement, expressed Australia’s sympathies to the typhoon victims.

“Australia is a close friend and partner of the Philippines, and our thoughts and sympathy go out to those affected by the Typhoon. While the full scale of the disaster is still unknown, we understand that over 75,000 families have been displaced from their homes, and more than 450,000 affected by the typhoon,” Tweddell said.

He said the Australian government has released emergency relief supplies for those displaced by the typhoon.

“The assistance includes family survival kits containing sleeping mats, blankets, mosquito nets and emergency shelters delivered to over 1,400 families in Albay and Camarines Sur through the Philippines Red Cross. Through UNFPA (UN Population Fund), health and dignity kits will also be distributed for 2,000 women in the Bicol region,” Tweddell said.

The Australian government is closely monitoring the situation in consultation with the Philippine government. 

Australia is one of the Philippines’ largest partners in disaster response and management. Since 2006, it has contributed P4 billion ($91.7 million)  in humanitarian assistance in response to several Philippine calamities.  

For Typhoon Yolanda alone, Australia provided P3.1 billion ($71.1 million) for response and recovery needs. – Rappler.com

*$1 – P43.6