US President Barack Obama on Monday relayed his sympathies to the Filipinos over the loss of life caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda.
Obama said he and First Lady Michelle Obama were “deeply saddened” but are confident the Filipinos will recover through “the spirit of Bayanihan.”
The statement was released on the White House website reads:
“Michelle and I are deeply saddened by the loss of life and extensive damage done by Super Typhoon Yolanda. But I know the incredible resiliency of the Philippine people, and I am confident that the spirit of Bayanihan will see you through this tragedy. The United States is already providing significant humanitarian assistance, and we stand ready to further assist the Government’s relief and recovery efforts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the millions of people affected by this devastating storm.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Washington said advance elements of the US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade arrived in the Philippines to help in relief efforts.
The US force came with two C-130 aircrafts.
Other world leaders condole and are in full support with the Philippines.
Pope Francis
Pope Francis on Twitter said “I ask all of you to join me in prayer for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan/ Yolanda especially those in the beloved islands of the Philippines.”
Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada is standing by to offer any possible help to the Philippines in responding to this emergency. He also said that the Philippines are in their thoughts and prayers.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates announced it is giving 10 million USD in support for victims of Yolanda, Gulf News reported.
Malaysia
Malaysian Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razak expressed condolences to the victims as well.
“Deepest condolences to those affected by super typhoon Haiyan. Malaysia stands ready to provide assistance and support,” he said on his Twitter account posted Sunday night.
Australia
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott issued statement Monday condoling with the Philippines as well.
“I join my fellow Australians in expressions our deepest sympathies to the people of the Philippines in wake of the terrible loss of life and damage caused by Typhoon Haiyan,” Abbott said.
The Australian Prime Minister has committed to send emergency relief supplies costing 400,000 USD which include sleeping mats, mosquito nets, water containers and hygiene kits.
Other countries sending in their assistance include:
- Belgium – rapid response team, search and rescue personnel.
- China – financial aid
- Denmark – financial aid
- Finland – in-kind donations
- Germany – in kind donations, rapid response team, search and rescue personnel, medics
- Hungary – medics, rapid response team, search and rescue personnel
- Indonesia – in-kind donations
- Israel – medics, rapid response team, search and rescue personnel
- Japan – medics, supplies, response team, search and rescue personnel
- The Netherlands – financial aid
- New Zealand – financial aid
- Norway – financial aid
- Russia – medics, rapid response team
- Singapore – financial aid
- Spain – in-kind donations
- Sweden – financial aid
- Turkey – in-kind donations, medics, rapid response team
- United Kingdom – financial aid
The European Union has pledged financial aid, in-kind donations and the deployment of medical and search and rescue teams.
The United Nations (UN) has also offered a flash appeal which will be launched soon.
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