Guyana donates to storm-stricken Philippines

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 21:00 by GxMedia

Guyana will donate US$50,000 to assist in the international response to the immense loss of lives and devastation in the Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan.

The severe weather system struck the Philippines in early November, killing more than 5,000 people and leaving millions of dollars in damage and destruction.

The Foreign Ministry said Guyana’s contribution would go to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) which launched an appeal for US$348 million for relief efforts.

The OCHA is currently headed by UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Baroness Valerie Amos of the United Kingdom.

The Guyana-born Amos hails from the Essequibo Island of Wakenaam.

The OCHA is focusing its efforts on providing food, clean water and shelter as well as prioritising the needs of women and girls who remain in a vulnerable position following the disaster.