Irish Typhoon Haiyan Aid To Exceed €3m

The amount of money pledged by Ireland to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines is to exceed €3m, following an announcement that the government will pledge an additional €1.6m.

The funding will be channelled through NGO partners and will support the provision of shelter, food, water and health services to the 13m people affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

The storm hit the Philippines ten days ago, and is so far thought to have killed at least 3,974 people. A further 1,186 are missing, according to the latest official figures.

The €3m funding is in addition to €1m funding announced on 11 November by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, as well as €500,000 worth of emergency supplies airlifted on 13 November to the Philippines.

Two members of Ireland’s Rapid Response Corps have also deployed to the Philippines to assist UN relief teams there.

Trade Minister Joe Costello said: "Ireland acted quickly to respond to Typhoon Haiyan, but as the magnitude of this disaster has become clear, it is all too apparent that further assistance is required. The situation is critical. Immediate threats to life include lack of safe drinking water, lack of shelter, trauma injuries, lack of sufficient food, lack of access to sanitation and personal hygiene. Our aid is being targeted directly to address these urgent needs.

"The international community has learned many lessons from previous crises, such as the 2004 Tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Ireland has supported subsequent efforts by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to establish clear systems to allow the most effective, efficient and rapid delivery of aid possible. Ireland will continue to make every effort to ensure our response is timely and effective, and meets the most critical, immediate needs."

(IT/CD)