7 December 2012
Australia will provide $5 million for survival kits and 1,000 tonnes of emergency food aid for families trapped or left homeless by Typhoon Bopha which struck the Philippines island of Mindanao on December 4, 2012.
Foreign Minister Bob Carr said the typhoon had created a humanitarian crisis deserving an immediate international response.
“Our hearts go out to the Philippines community in the wake of this tragedy,” Senator Carr said.
“At the request of the Philippines Government, we’re providing $5 million in emergency aid including sleeping mats, water containers, hygiene kits and 1,000 tonnes of rice for families trapped or left homeless by this storm.
“This is basic equipment and food for those in need, to be distributed in Mindanao through the Red Cross and international relief agencies.
“A disaster relief expert from Ausaid’s rapid response team in Australia has also been deployed to Manila to assist in monitoring relief efforts.”
Senator Carr said further assistance would be considered after talks with the Philippines Government and relief teams in Mindanao.
Typhoon Bopha first made landfall in Mindanao at 4.45am, Tuesday December 4 with torrential rains and winds exceeding 250 kilometres an hour. Bopha is nearly three times the strength of Tropical Storm Washi which crossed northern and central Mindanao in December 2011, claiming 1,500 lives.
