Help pours in from other other countries for Typhoon Odette survivors
As rebuilding and restoration of the communities badly battered by Typhoon Odette gets underway, a number of foreign governments have pledged to help.
The Philippine National Police said at least 375 people were killed, 56 missing, and over 500 injured due to the typhoon. Hundreds of thousands of families now remain in evacuation areas after the typhoon—which tore through parts of Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan—destroyed communities.
The country’s traditional ally the United States through the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration said it will provide emergency shelter assistance to 3,000 families affected by Typhoon Odette.
The United States Agency for International Development is helping distribute the rolls of heavy-duty sheeting that were prepared before the storm.
.@USAIDSavesLives is working with @IOM_Philippines to provide emergency shelter assistance to 3,000 families affected by #OdettePH. These rolls of heavy-duty sheeting were pre-positioned so they can quickly get to people in need. #FriendsPartnersAllies
— U.S. Embassy in the Philippines (@USEmbassyPH) December 20, 2021
(Photos: IOM Philippines) pic.twitter.com/ycIiQ4XxYR
China’s ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said that Chinese relief goods are on the way to areas devastated by Typhoon Odette.
“Our hearts go out to all the Filipino families who were devastated by Typhoon Odette which has caused massive casualties as well as property loss,” said Huang in his official Facebook account.
Huang said the Chinese Embassy raised 20,000 food packages for the relief efforts that will be distributed through the help of the local Filipino-Chinese community.
The Japanese government is also mobilizing relief through the Japan International International Cooperation Agency.
Japan said it will provide generators, camping tents, sleeping pads, portable water containers, and plastic sheets for its relief goods.
OUR ASSISTANCE IS ON THE WAY. In coordination with the PH government, we deliver disaster relief goods, such as generators, tents & sleeping pads, water containers, and plastic sheets. Hang in there! We are one with you. #OdettePH ????https://t.co/c3EPFiEnqT
— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) December 20, 2021
British Minister of State for Asia Amanda Milling said the UK government has committed £750,000 (about P50 million) to the Philippine Red Cross to help those in desperate need of assistance.
Spoke to Philippine Ambassador Lagdameo today to express the UK’s heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by the devastation caused by Typhoon #OdettePH. UK has committed £750,000 to @philredcross, through the @ifrc, to help support those in desperate need of assistance. ????
— Amanda Milling (@amandamilling) December 20, 2021
Canada’s prime minister Justin Trudeau said Canada will provide financial assistance through the Red Cross.
“In the days and weeks ahead, we’ll continue to help those who need it most,” said Trudeau in his Twitter account.
In response to this natural disaster, Canada is providing financial assistance - including through the Red Cross, which will help address immediate needs on the ground, such as water and sanitation. In the days and weeks ahead, we’ll continue to help those who need it most.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) December 21, 2021
Australia is also working with the Philippine Red Cross for emergency supplies and further assistance according to Australian ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson.
We extend our thoughts and condolences to those impacted by typhoon #OdettePH. In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross we have released pre-positioned emergency supplies, and are continuing to work with ?? on further options to help.
— Steven J. Robinson AO (@AusAmbPH) December 18, 2021
The United Nations’ resident coordinator in the Philippines, Gustavo Gonzalez, said the UN is also “coordinating with the government to ensure we provide timely support and are fully mobilized in addressing critical gaps and the needs of the most vulnerable.”
“A coordinated response by the UN agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners in the country is already underway to meet immediate needs in shelter, health, food, protection, and other life-saving responses,” Gonzalez said in a statement.
My Statement on #TyphoonOdette @UNPhilippines commends professionalism of frontline responders led by Government, armed forces, Red Cross, and local authorities in evacuation, search & rescue efforts in very difficult circumstances and logistics. https://t.co/d2kv03fKgM
— Gustavo Gonzalez (@ggonzzalezz) December 20, 2021
Apple CEO Tim Cook said on Twitter that Apple “will be contributing to relief, recovery, and longer-term rebuilding efforts.”
Typhoon Rai has caused so much devastation in the Philippines and Malaysia — so many families have lost so much. Apple will be contributing to relief, recovery, and longer-term rebuilding efforts. #OdettePH
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 21, 2021
The Russian Embassy in the Philippines, meanwhile, said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered his condolences to President Rodrigo Duterte following the typhoon.
For those who want to donate to families affected by Typhoon Odette, you can click this link for options where you can send your donations.