Canada continues to help victims of Philippines tropical storm
February 8, 2012 - Today, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced that Canada is providing additional support to flood-affected victims in the Philippines.
"Canada is continuing to help the people of the Philippines, who are still in need of emergency humanitarian assistance due to the affects of Tropical Storm Washi and resulting flash floods," said Minister Oda. "The situation remains critical and Canada is committed to helping our friends in the Philippines."
On January 4, Minister Oda announced Canada's support to emergency relief efforts, which saw approximately 1.15 million people affected by the tropical storm, more than 50,000 homes damaged, and thousands of livelihoods impacted. The humanitarian response to date is providing much needed life-saving assistance. However, according to authorities, humanitarian assistance is still needed, as more than 400,000 people remain displaced, with approximately 23,000 still living in evacuation centres.
Canada, through the CIDA, is building on its original support to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) by providing further funding to allow this organization to assist people living in emergency and makeshift shelters, as well as those trying to return to their homes. Today's announcement fulfills Canada's commitment of $1.25 million for humanitarian relief efforts in the Philippines.