Wellington: The New Zealand government has announced 1.75 million New Zealand dollars or approximately PHP58.4 million in humanitarian response to the typhoons and earthquakes that struck the Philippines and Vietnam over the past weeks. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated that the funds will be directed through Kiwi non-government organizations and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

According to Philippines News Agency, the New Zealand government emphasized its commitment to supporting the affected regions. The aid aims to address the urgent needs in Vietnam and the Philippines following the severe impact of recent natural disasters. The Ministry’s statement on X highlighted the dual focus of the support-aid for typhoon recovery in both countries and assistance for the Philippines’ earthquake response efforts.

In recent weeks, the Philippines has faced a series of devastating natural events. Over the weekend, Super Typhoon Uwan hit most of Luzon and parts of the Visayas, resulting in the displacement of thousands and the tragic loss of 27 lives. Prior to Uwan, Typhoon Tino had already wreaked havoc in Cebu and several areas of the Visayas and Mindanao, causing massive flooding and claiming 232 lives.

The typhoons followed closely on the heels of two significant earthquakes, with magnitudes of 6.9 and 7.5, that struck Cebu and Davao Oriental. The cumulative disasters have highlighted the urgent need for international support and assistance.

New Zealand joins a growing list of countries, including the United States and China, in providing humanitarian aid to the Philippines, underscoring a global effort to aid recovery and rebuilding in disaster-stricken areas.