Australia provides immediate assistance to people affected by Typhoon Glenda
17 July 2014
In response to Typhoon Glenda, which caused extensive damage in the regions of Bicol and Southern Luzon, the Australian Government announced today that it will provide up to Php10 million (A$250,000) to immediately assist those affected by the typhoon.
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell said "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."
In response, Australia has released emergency relief supplies to help meet the urgent humanitarian needs of thousands of families.
The Australian Government is closely monitoring the situation in consultation with the Government of the Philippines. Based on initial assessments, Australia is releasing non-food items prepositioned with our partners, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).
Ambassador Tweddell said, "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, health and dignity kits will also be distributed for 2,000 women in the Bicol region.”
Australia is one of the Philippines' largest partners in disaster response and management. Since 2006, it has contributed Php 4 billion (A$108.12 million) humanitarian assistance in response to several calamities. For Typhoon Yolanda alone, Australia provided Php3.1 (A$77.3 million) billion for response and recovery needs.