Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has allotted $100,000 from its emergency response fund to help the victims of typhoon Mangkhut, which hit the Philippines on September 15.

According to QRCS, the assistance forms part of its initial intervention in three northern provinces (Cagayan, Isabela and Benguet) in the Philippines.

The super typhoon left more than 100 people killed and missing, 49,000 damaged houses, and 128,000 displaced residents.

It weighed heavily on infrastructure, schools, health facilities and agriculture, with losses amounting to $340mn.

“We have a comprehensive response plan,” Cagayan governor Dr Manuel N Mamba said.

“With the appreciated Qatari support, it will definitely work. We are serious about withstanding the storm, making the affected areas more resilient, and enabling their populations to restore their normal lives.”

Chris Staines, head of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), country office in the Philippines, said that in Cagayan, “QRCS is always there to lend a hand during natural disasters in the country”.

“This is highly valued by all movement partners and implies that QRCS is committed to its humanitarian duty towards the vulnerable communities,” he stressed.

Richard J Gordon, chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, commended QRCS’ prompt response “which stands by us before, during and after disasters”.

“We are happy with the support that Qatar offers to us, both in word and deed, during the endless disasters in my country. QRCS is a real partner, and it is typically one of the first to respond to humanitarian appeals. Thank you Qatar,” he said.

Since day one, QRCS’ mission in the Philippines has been in touch with the Qatar embassy in Manila to keep them updated on the disaster, humanitarian situation, and co-ordination with partners and competent authorities.

Qatar’s ambassador to the Philippines Ali bin Ibrahim al-Malki instructed embassy staff to facilitate all efforts related to the relief plan, emphasising the importance of allowing the victims’ access to relief provisions, especially in the worst-hit regions.

The embassy pro-actively co-ordinated with the State and licensed organisations, and complied with national laws and procedures, and has been transparent throughout the process of the humanitarian intervention.

QRCS said the relief aid is currently procured and delivered in Cagayan, where the storm touched down.

With 5,100 beneficiaries targeted, the programme is being co-ordinated with local authorities, IFRC and the Philippine Red Cross.

Items include 700 shelter kits, 500 tarpaulins, 1,000 blankets and 500 hygiene kits, each serving a six-member family and lasting for two weeks.

QRCS-donated water tank trucks ensure drinking water to schools and residential areas in typhoon-affected areas.

Source: Gulf times

Cover image courtesy of Qatar Embassy Manila Twitter

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar

QNE

Start a discussion