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The typhoon has destroyed many homes. PA

Government announces €250,000 in aid to help those affected by Philippines typhoon

At least 375 people were killed and hundreds were injured when the typhoon hit.

THE IRISH GOVERNMENT has announced €250,000 in aid to help those affected by Typhoon Rai in the Philippines.

At least 375 people were killed and hundreds were injured with the typhoon hit the southern and eastern regions of the islands last Thursday. 

Announcing the Irish aid today, Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy described the situation as “dire”.

“Nearly two million people have been affected, with over 600,000 displaced from their homes,” he said. “My thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods.

“As expression of Irish solidarity with the people of the Philippines, today I approved Irish Aid funding of €250,000 for UN World Food Programme work assisting those most impacted by the super typhoon. This will help the immediate response to the needs of the most vulnerable individuals and communities in the difficult days and weeks ahead.”

He said Ireland’s ambassador at the newly-established embassy in Manila is on the ground, monitoring the evolving situation.’

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The funding will support the UN World Food Programme to its provision of  humanitarian assistance to those affected by the typhoon. WFP is providing logistical, food assistance, and communications support as part of the Philippine government’s emergency response, and has appealed for urgent funding to meet critical gaps.

Philippines Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has ordered the military to deploy ships, boats, aircraft and trucks to deliver food, drinking water and medical supplies to survivors, who have been struggling for basic necessities.

The Red Cross is also flying relief to popular holiday destinations Siargao and Bohol islands.

“The emergency appeal by IFRC helps us to act swiftly and do all we can to help people and families get back on their feet,” said Alberto Bocanegra, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the Philippines.

The organisation has appealed for $22 million (€19.4m) to fund urgent relief and recovery efforts.

The UK has pledged more than €887,000 to the IFRC effort, while Canada promised more than €2 million in assistance and the European Union more than €1.7 million.

- With reporting from AFP.

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    Mute
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    Dec 21st 2021, 6:35 PM

    It’s only right we help out after all we have a large Filipino community here in Ireland paying taxes working mostly in healthcare.

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    Mute Watchful Axe
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    Dec 21st 2021, 6:48 PM

    I don’t think we’d have begrudged a million considering there’s over two million people affected and it’s a Roman Catholic country on Christmas week. (not that the type matters but its terrible timing). Actually, did the Vatican send any aid by chance?

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    Mute Sean D
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    Dec 22nd 2021, 8:38 AM

    @Watchful Axe: What does it matter if it’s a catholic country or not?

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    Mute Tommy Berry
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    Dec 21st 2021, 6:24 PM

    And the “WE SHOULD LOOK AFTER ARE OWN FIRS” Will be along in 3….2……1

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    Mute Mel Finn
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    Dec 21st 2021, 6:31 PM

    @Tommy Berry: what’s wrong with our FIRS?

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    Mute Gerard Heery
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    Dec 21st 2021, 6:39 PM

    @Tommy Berry: the next recession when this all have to be paid back will turn those who work will be turned into endentured slaves, the wise ones will emergrate, the rest will ride the system as usual from the warmth of their beds

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    Mute Tommy Berry
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    Dec 21st 2021, 6:51 PM

    @Gerard Heery: If yf you know people riding the system, report them.

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    Mute Gerard Heery
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    Dec 22nd 2021, 12:02 AM

    @Tommy Berry: don’t get me started ha

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    Mute Gerrard
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    Dec 21st 2021, 7:43 PM

    The disabled in this country are told there is no money to help you and new schemes they were promised in 2013 that would help disabled people become mobile are still ongoing but they can send money out of the country on a whim … not that I begrudge then they deserve it but start helping out vulnerable too.

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    Mute George Vladisavljevic
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    Dec 21st 2021, 7:10 PM

    Good to assist but please make sure it gets to those who need it most through reputable NGO’s.

    I am also wondering why the story about the ex-president of the Ukraine being accused of treason is blocked for comments if it was about Trump being charged I doubt that comments would be closed.
    https://www.thejournal.ie/former-ukrain-president-treason-investigation-5637993-Dec2021/

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    Mute Paul Whitehead
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    Dec 21st 2021, 6:39 PM

    Good call. Direct it through NGOs. Sadly, huge amounts of aid contributed after Typhoon Yolanda went missing.

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    Mute Peter O'Toole
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    Dec 21st 2021, 7:28 PM

    Extremely low level of assistance for this situation. I would have considered a Million€ as a minimum amount to donate. Be interesting to see other comments

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    Mute Kieran Byrne
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    Dec 21st 2021, 11:11 PM

    250,000 is like a packet crisps

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    Mute andrew
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    Dec 21st 2021, 9:03 PM

    We must do all we can to help the people.

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