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Help pours in from other other countries for Typhoon Odette survivors

By Bim Santos Published Dec 21, 2021 4:36 pm Updated Dec 21, 2021 4:39 pm

Tricycles speeds past fallen coconut trees along a highway in Del Carmen town, Siargao island on Dec. 20 after Typhoon Odette hit the province. Roel Catoto / AFP

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.

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.

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.

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.

Australia is also working with the Philippine Red Cross for emergency supplies and further assistance according to Australian ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson.

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.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said on Twitter that Apple “will be contributing to relief, recovery, and longer-term rebuilding efforts.”

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.

TAGS: Typhoon Odette