Australia pledges P25-M aid to typhoon victims

The Australian government on Wednesday said it will donate P25 million to support victims of Typhoons Pedring (Nesat) and Quiel (Nalgea). "On behalf of the Australian Government and people, I extend heartfelt condolences to the people of the Philippines for the loss of life and the destruction resulting from these devastating typhoons," Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith said in a statement. "Australia is deeply concerned for the suffering of more than three million people affected by this devastation. They are in dire need of emergency assistance. "They have lost their homes and livelihoods and many are in evacuation centres with limited access to food, health, water, and other basic services. Health risks are also increasing alarmingly, especially among the most vulnerable, including children, women, the elderly and the disabled," Smith added.

The Philippines is still reeling from the effects of Pedring and Quiel, which pummeled northern and Central Luzon last week. As of Wednesday, Pedring left 66 people dead, 65 injured and 28 missing. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the damage to property from Pedring totaled P9,436,897,401, including P1,344,187,382.81 in infrastrcuture and P8,092,699,018.19 in agriculture. On the other hand, Quiel claimed 10 lives and damage to property was estimated at P10 million. The Australian government said their contribution will assist in the Philippine government's relief operations through the Philippine Red Cross. "The funding will provide emergency supplies of drinking water, blankets, hygiene kits and related essential items such as mosquito nets and kitchen sets to some 10,000 families," the statement said. "Australia will consult with the Philippine government to determine if further assistance is required," it added. — RSJ, GMA News