Saudi King donates $10 million for Yolanda victims

King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ordered a $10 million donation to relief and rehabilitation efforts for the victims of Typhoon  Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Visayas.

"I received call today from the Minister of Finance informing me about the donation, and seeking advice on the mode of transmittal of the amount so that it could reach those who need the humanitarian relief," said Ezzedin Tago, the Philippine Ambassador in Saudi Arabia.

The donation was just the latest in the flood of similar assistance extended by various nations and international organizations for the thousands of people that were left homeless and starving by Yolanda, which lashed Central Philippines on November 8, leaving close to 4,000 people dead as of Monday morning.

On behalf of the Philippine government, Tago thanked King Abdullah “for his generous contribution to the relief efforts for the Yolanda victims.”

“The Kingdom and its people have long been kind hosts to Filipinos in the Kingdom.  We value our relationship specially the bond between our peoples,” he said.

Physicians Across Continents

Meanwhile, doctors from Physicians Across Continents (PAC) met with Tago last November 11 to express their intention to send a medical team to the typhoon-hit areas in the Visayas.

PAC, an international health charity organization under the Muslim World League, is one of a growing list of international government (GOs) and non-govermental organizations (NGOs) responding to the urgent need for medical invervention for the victims of Yolanda.

During the meeting, Tago provided the group updates regarding the super typhoon's devastation and pointers on the required coordination activities with Philippine agencies when undertaking such emergency medical relief efforts.

He also briefed the group on the most recent National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) advisories on the typhoon’s aftermath.
 
An exploratory team from the Physicians Across Continents has already left for the Philippines on November 12, while the main medical team left Saudi Arabia last November 13, according to a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

UAE extends help, too

In a related development, the United Arab Emirates will also extend $10 million worth of support and assistance programs and projects to the typhoon victims.

“On the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the UAE is announcing support and assistance programs and projects of US$10 million to the Philippines,” said UAE news agency WAM.

It added that the UAE “extends its deepest sympathies for the loss of life and property caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.”

“The UAE stands by the people of the Philippines in these tragic circumstances and commends the Government of the Philippines and its emergency workers for making all possible efforts in providing aid and relief to the victims,” WAM also said. — KBK, GMA News