Japan, Taiwan send aid for 'Sendong' victims

Japan and Taiwan have sent assistance to the Philippines to help victims of floods brought by Tropical Storm Sendong (Washi) over the weekend in parts of Mindanao and the Visayas.

Among the hardest hit areas were Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities.

As of Tuesday morning, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the number of fatalities stood at 957.

The Japanese government extended P14 million (Y25 million) in emergency assistance while Taiwan extended $150,000.

"Aimed at alleviating the difficulties of the victims, the assistance comes in the form of relief goods such as water tanks, generators, and other relief items," the Japanese Embassy in Manila said in a news release.

Last Sunday, Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba sent a message to Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario expressing his condolences and sympathy for the loss of many lives and for the people affected by the disaster.

He also said Japan will spare no efforts in providing necessary assistance and cooperation for rehabilitation of affected people and areas.

"The Government of Japan reiterates its commitment in assisting the Philippine Government's disaster management efforts," it said.

For its part, Taiwan donated $150,000 to the Philippine government to help the victims.

A report on Taiwan's Central News Agency said the amount is to assist post-disaster relief efforts.

The CNA report said Taiwan's Foreign Ministry also sent condolences to the people of the Philippines over the tragedy. — RSJ, GMA News

source:gmanetwork.com

US 'ready' to help Philippines after deadly storm

WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent condolences to the Philippines Saturday after more than 600 people were feared killed in a storm, and said the United States stood "ready" to help.

Relief workers said that 440 people had died and nearly 200 left missing after tropical storm Washi (local codename Sendong) wreaked havoc in the southern Philippines, unleashing mammoth floods across vast areas of the country and destroying whole neighborhoods.

"On behalf of President (Barack) Obama and the people of the United States, I want to send my deepest condolences for the devastation and loss of life caused by flooding from Tropical Storm Washi," Clinton said in a statement.

"The US government stands ready to assist Philippine authorities as they respond to this tragedy."

The top US diplomat said "our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected."

About 20,000 soldiers have been mobilized in a huge rescue and relief operation across the stricken north coast of the island of Mindanao, where the major ports of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were worst hit.

President Benigno Aquino expressed concern at the extent of the tragedy and ordered government agencies to map out areas in the country most vulnerable to future flash floods. — AFP

source:gmanetwork.com