Australia provides further support to the Philippines after Typhoon Hagupit
12 December 2014
Australia is saddened by the loss of life and damage to infrastructure in the Philippines due to Typhoon Hagupit, locally known as Ruby.
In response to the Government’s call to mobilise 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 Easter Samar and Sorsogon.
This is in addition to the 800 tonnes of rice Australia is providing to around 40,000 affected families in Visayas and southern Luzon regions need 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.