OTTAWA, December 24, 2021 – As the death toll from Typhoon Rai in the Philippines surges past 375, Canadian charities are working in the affected areas, providing desperately-needed aid to survivors.
From December 16-18, the super typhoon made 10 landfalls across 7 provinces, bringing high winds, torrential rains and landslides.
An estimated 2.4 million people have been impacted by the storm, with more than 680,000 forced to leave their homes. Lack of water and crowded evacuation centres increase the risk of the spread of disease, including COVID-19.
Some of the most urgent needs include potable water, food, hygiene supplies, health care and emergency shelter.
Oxfam Canada and Plan International Canada – two member agencies of the Humanitarian Coalition – are providing cash assistance for immediate food needs, repairing water systems and ensuring access to clean drinking water, and providing hygiene articles, especially for women and girls.
Richard Morgan, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Coalition says, “It is heartbreaking to witness the devastation and loss of life caused by Typhoon Rai. We are thankful for the support of Canadians and the Canadian government who make our humanitarian response possible.”
This emergency response is supported by donations from Canadians, and by Global Affairs Canada through the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund.
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For media inquiries, contact us at 647-517-4563 or media@humanitariancoalition.ca
The Humanitarian Coalition (HC) brings together leading aid organizations to provide Canadians with a simple and effective way to donate during large-scale humanitarian emergencies. The HC also partners with Global Affairs Canada to enable its member agencies to respond to lesser-known small and medium-scale disasters.