Minister of International Development Hilde F. Johnson has decided to give NOK 2.35 million in emergency relief to the victims of the typhoons that have ravaged the Philippines during the past weeks.The money is being channelled through the Norwegian Red Cross, Norwegian Church Aid and Caritas. The aid organisations will provide food, medicines, clothes and temporary shelter to Filipinos who have been forced to flee their homes because of the storms.

It is feared that more than 1400 persons may have lost their lives as a result of the four tropical storms that hit the Philippines during the past weeks. Torrential rain has caused extensive flooding and mudslides, and hundreds of thousands have had to flee from the coastal areas to higher ground.

Part of the aid channelled through the Norwegian Red Cross will be used to provide local co-operation partners with the technical assistance necessary to enhance their ability to tackle future natural disasters.

Press contact: Head of Information Espen Gullikstad, mobile phone 91 70 81 22