Norway Increases Aid For Typhoon Yolanda Victims

The Norwegian Government has decided to increase the amount of its humanitarian aid to the Philippines for the typhoon-affected individuals, which devastated homes last November 8 through the super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan).

Previously, the Norwegian government gave NOK 65 million and now has added NOK 140 million, amounting to NOK 205 million all in all as total (P1.45 billion).

The funds will be used to provide food, water, sanitation, health care and shelter and the other needs identified by the UN and the Philippine government. Aside from funds, the Norwegian Government is also supporting emergency relief work spearheaded by Caritas, Save the Children Norway and the International Committee of the Red Cross. These organizations were already working in the stricken areas before the typhoon made a landfall. They were able to move relief efforts quickly.

Other than that, Norway is also sending personnel and equipment through the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s emergency standby roster (NORCAP) and the Norwegian Emergency Preparedness System (NOREPS).

Norway’s King, His Majesty Kind Herald V, also expressed his condolences to President Noynoy Aquino earlier through a letter saying, “I was very saddened to hear about the tragic loss of so many lives and of the extensive destruction caused by the typhoon Yolanda in your country. On behalf of myself and the Norwegian people, I extend my condolences to you personally and ask you to convey my deepest sympathy to all those affected by this terrible storm.”

Meanwhile, Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende expressed his sympathy to the Filipinos who have been badly hit by the disaster. (Adapted by RSC)

Source: www.norway.ph, www.philembassy.no