UK, Australia increase aid to Yolanda victims to more than P1B each


The British government is set to increase its assistance to the Philippines to a total of P1.047 billion (£15 million) by matching pound for pound the British public's donation to charitable organizations raising funds for victims of the deadly typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

In a statement posted on the British government's website, International Development Secretary Justine Greening said the Department for International Development (DFID) will match the first £5 million donated by the British public to United Kingdom-based charitable organizations “to ensure [they] can reach even more people in need.”

The British government's additional £5 million commitment came following Prime Minister David Cameron's announcement Tuesday that the UK will increase its aid to the Philippines from £6 million ($9.6 million, 7.1 million euros) to £10 million.

In addition to providing monetary aid, the UK has also deployed HMS Daring, a destroyer, and a Royal Air Force C-17 transporter plane to the Philippines to help in relief operations.

Australia, a member of the British commonwealth, also announced Thursday that it is increasing its donation to the Philippines to P1.2 billion (A$30 million) from the initial P15.5 million (A$390,500) it pledged immediately after the typhoon.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in a statement that the additional funds will be used to address serious nutrition, child health and protection needs, purchase emergency foods and provide logistic support and non-food items.

A few days ago, the Australian government had sent doctors, nurses, paramedics and other medical specialists to provide healthcare services to typhoon victims. It has also deployed two Royal Australian Air Force aircraft to assist  in relief operations in Tacloban City.

Prior to Abbott's announcement, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the Australian government is increasing its donation to the Philippines to P410 million (A$10 million) as the extent of Yolanda's devastation became evident in reports by international media.

The Royal Australian Navy ship, HMAS Tobruk, is also on standby to assist in relief operations if  required, the Australian government said.

The amphibious vessel boasts of heavy lift capability, on board accommodation and ability to support helicopter and landing craft operations.

"As the scale of devastation becomes more evident, Australia’s further contribution will help people start the process of recovery as quickly as possible. The Australian Government stands ready to provide further assistance if and when required," Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell said.

Philippine authorities estimate that more than more than 1.7 million families have been affected by the typhoon, said to be one of the most powerful cyclones on record.

Latest government update pegged the number of Yolanda fatalities at 2,357, with 3,853 injured and 77 missing as of Thursday morning. Some officials, however, have projected fatalities to be as high as 10,000 if all can be counted. — Xianne Arcangel/KBK, GMA News

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