The British government has announced through its Department for International Development (DfID) that it is giving £500,000 to the Philippines as part of the disaster recovery effort following Typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) which left at least 250 people dead and hundreds of thousands homeless.

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said, "Natural disasters have a devastating impact wherever they strike but nowhere more so than in the developing world. It is right that we should play our part in the relief and recovery efforts in the Philippines. Britain stands ready to support those in need in times of crisis through Government funding but also through the generosity of our individual citizens."

In addition, leading UK aid agencies announced broadcast appeals on radio and TV for public funds to help those affected by the typhoons.

Announcing the appeal, Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Chief Executive Brendan Gormley said, "DEC member agencies are already responding despite the appalling conditions on the ground but we urgently need the public's help to fund their work. We recognise that these are difficult and uncertain times for many people in the UK too but we have no doubt that there will still be a strong desire to help."

British Ambassador Stephen Lillie welcomed these developments. "The terrible flooding caused by typhoon "Ondoy" has caused immense human suffering in the Philippines. It's right that the United Kingdom, as a close friend and partner of the Philippines, should contribute to the relief effort. I hope that this contribution will make a real difference."

The Ambassador continued, "Despite the huge suffering, the disaster has also demonstrated the positive attitude and genuine humanity of the Filipino people as they help each other to get back to normality. I' also like to pay tribute to the individual efforts of many members of the British community in Manila, who have been getting personally involved in the relief effort."

Last weekend, Ambassador Lillie was warmly received in Payatas as he and other members of the British community, including the British Women's Association, helped distribute relief goods to over 1,000 typhoon victims.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Gordon Brown earlier sent their condolences to the Filipino people.

The Queen said, 'I was saddened to hear of the devastation and tragic loss of life caused by the flooding in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.  Please accept my condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and all those affected at this difficult time.'

Prime Minister Brown said: "I want to send my heartfelt condolences to the people of the Philippines. All of us watching these scenes will be shocked and saddened at the sheer scale of the devastation. We stand ready to help in any way we can."

UK gives assistance to typhoon victims in RP

Notes for Editors

1. The DEC consists of: Action Aid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World Vision.
2. Work already underway by DEC members and their partners includes, in the Philippines:
3. • Red Cross volunteers have rescued over 400 people from rooftops and high walls following flooding and provided hot meals and blankets.
   • Save the Children have already distributed hundreds of emergency kits to affected children- which include essentials such as clothes and soap.
   • Age Concern and Help the Aged has worked with partners to deliver food and clothing.
   • CARE International are working with local partners to distribute food, safe water, temporary shelter and emergency supplies.

For further information, please contact:

Oya Arriola [Political and Communications Attaché] 858 2363
Lynn Ayers-Plata [Press, Visits and Events Officer] 858 2203

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