MANILA, Nov. 11 (PNA) -– At least 21 countries, plus the European Union and Taiwan, have pledged assistance to those affected by Typhoon Yolanda in Central Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday as the United Nations prepare to make an international flash appeal.
Among the donor states are: Australia, Belgium Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Japan and the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.
“International response is very encouraging and we welcome all these support of solidarity from other parts of the world,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez told a press briefing.
At least 10 millions people, mostly in the Visayas region, have been affected by Yolanda when it smashed into the country last Friday.
The storm, also known by its international name Haiyan – said to be the strongest and most dangerous typhoon in history – wrought destruction in the Central Philippines and areas in its direct path like Tacloban in Leyte suffered the most casualties, with at least 10,000 feared dead.
Hernandez said foreign aid are in the form of deployment of search and rescue teams and medical personnel; provision of relief goods like food, water, tens and blankets, among others; medical supplies and vaccine; deployment of ships and aircrafts; and cash donations.
The EU has pledged financial aid and in-kind donations as well as deployment of medical and search and rescue teams while Taiwan has allocated financial assistance and various relief items.
All donations are being coursed through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disasters Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), Hernandez said, adding auditing of foreign assistance will be made by the NDRRCMC.
Hernandez said the Philippines has also accepted the offer of the United Nations for the issuance of a flash appeal which will be launched soon.
“In this connection the UN is now undertaking the needs assessment activities in the affected areas,” Hernandez said.
International organizations, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund, Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam have pledged assistance.
Other organizations, individuals and Filipino communities abroad who wish to help may course their donations through the NDRRMC, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine Red Cross, Hernandez said. (PNA)
FFC/MDC/UTB