Govt announces typhoon aid

A €300,000 aid package in response to Typhoon Durian, which has caused devastation across the Philippines, was announced today by the Government.

The typhoon, the fourth to strike the Philippines in as many months, has left up to 1,000 people dead and more than 66,000 homeless in central and northern parts of the country.

Some 9,000 families are already in emergency shelters.

The funding will support the International Federation of the Red Cross with its local response through the Philippines Red Cross Society.

“We have seen over recent days the hugely destructive impact of this typhoon on the affected population,” said Conor Lenihan, Minister of State for Development Co-operation and Human Rights.

“I want Ireland to respond quickly to assist agencies engaged in vital relief work taking place on the ground.

“Local communities are responding exceptionally well but in a hugely challenging environment.

“Irish aid funds will help them by providing for immediate needs including basic healthcare, shelter, food and water.”

The typhoon has left many people still buried under mudslides and local communities are struggling to free those trapped in the aftermath of the disaster.

The typhoon caused widespread flooding and resulting mudslides and relief efforts are being rendered more difficult due to access routes blocked by debris.

Many affected provinces are still without power, adding to communications difficulties.