Netherlands, Qatar send aid to typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines — The government of the Netherlands has donated 600,000 euros or more than P35 million in disaster relief fund for victims of Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses.

Ambassador Saskia de Lang said the grant was channelled through the Netherlands Red Cross.

An additional amount of 350,000 euros or P20.4 million has been collected by the Netherlands Red Cross through a public campaign for funds in favor of the Philippines, the Netherlands embassy said.

”We stand with the Philippines in these difficult times and we will continue to cooperate on climate adaptation, water management and disaster risk reduction,” De Lang said.

Meanwhile, a cargo plane of the Qatar Emiri Air Force landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 4 a.m. yesterday, bringing more than 40 tons of food and non-food items for victims of recent typhoons.

The relief goods include tents, water and sanitation units, generators and rescue boats.

The Qatar Fund for Development sent the relief assistance through the Qatar Red Crescent.

“His Excellency Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Kuwari, Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development said this aid arrived due to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar,” the Qatar embassy said in a statement. – Rudy Santos