Australia provides more support to PH after Typhoon Ruby

This is a press release from the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.

Australia is saddened by the loss of life and damage to infrastructure in the Philippines due to Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit).

In response to the government’s call to mobilize in-country resources, the Australian government will provide further support to communities affected by the typhoon, delivered through our prepositioned stores with the United Nations Population Fund and the Philippine Red Cross.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell said the assistance includes health and dignity kits containing toiletries, feminine hygiene and sanitation kits to be distributed to at least 3,000 pregnant and lactating women in Eastern and Western Samar through the United Nations Population Fund.

Through the Philippine Red Cross, family survival kits containing sleeping mats, blankets, mosquito nets, jerry can, and kitchen sets will also be delivered to 500 families in Eastern Samar and Sorsogon.

This is in addition to the 800 tons of rice Australia is providing to around 40,000 affected families in the Visayas and Southern Luzon regions through the World Food Programme.

“I welcome continued reports that preparedness by local authorities has helped to limit the impact of the typhoon. Australia will continue to work with the Philippine government and international partners to support the typhoon response as required,” the Australian Ambassador said. – Rappler.com