Australia provides emergency assistance for families affected by Typhoon Ruby
Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop today expressed Australia’s sympathies and support to the people of the Philippines affected by Typhoon Ruby, also known as Typhoon Hagupit.
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell said, “Australia is saddened by the loss of life and damage to homes and property in the wake of this typhoon.”
Ms Bishop also announced that the Australian Government is providing 800 metric tons of rice to support families affected by Typhoon Ruby, delivered through Australia’s prepositioned stores with the World Food Programme.
“Food for typhoon-affected Filipinos is a priority for the Philippine Government, and Australia's contribution supports that urgent need,” Ambassador Tweddell said.
He said that the Australian aid program in the Philippines placed a high priority on supporting disaster preparedness. “The Philippines is affected by strong typhoons every year and the Australian Government understands that humanitarian assistance is only one part of a comprehensive typhoon response. Australia’s aid program focuses on reducing disaster risk and enhancing disaster preparedness across the country to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable Filipinos. We work with Philippine Government agencies, civil society partners and international humanitarian organisations to promote resilience at the community level.”
Ambassador Tweddell said Australia welcomed reports that cooperation between communities and local and national governments had helped limit the impact of Typhoon Ruby.
“We continue to monitor closely the impact of the typhoon as it makes its way across the archipelago, and Australia stands ready to assist if requested.”