International community rallies aid to the Philippines

By Balitang America Staff

Nov. 12, 2013

International relief efforts for the Philippines have begun to gather speed with dozens of countries and organizations pledging tens of millions of dollars in aid.

The United Nations launched an appeal to the international community today for $301 million.

Taiwan, which recently had a diplomatic tiff with the Philippines, has joined several non-profit organizations in sending rescue missions with food and medical supplies.

The Chinese government has announced plans to provide $100,000 in aid, with the Chinese Red Cross offering $100,000 more.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said the government would consider increasing the amount.

In Australia the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched an international appeal to raise roughly $78 million.

From the U.S, $20 million in immediate aid funds are being sent for the relief effort.

The U.S. Agency for International Development said more than 100 U.S. marines are already in the Visayas to help.