Australia Pledges $5 Mln in Aid for Philippines

Australia has announced a $5 million grant in humanitarian aid to support recovery efforts in the Philippines following a series of destructive tropical storms, according to a report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The Philippines recently endured severe devastation as six storms struck the country in the span of a month.

The tropical cyclone, locally known as Kristine, caused widespread flooding and landslides, leading to nearly 350 deaths and displacing over 700,000 people.

Just days later, Typhoon Manny, known locally as Bebeto, hit the country, affecting 3.9 million people, resulting in 12 deaths, and hampering ongoing recovery efforts.

The Australian aid will support essential services provided through humanitarian partners, including the UN, non-governmental organizations, and local community groups, as outlined by the UN report.