OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 12/21/12 -- Today, the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, announced additional support in response to the destruction of Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines.

"Canada remains committed to supporting the most vulnerable people, who continue to suffer from the effects of Typhoon Bopha," said Minister Fantino. "The destruction is alarming, and Canada continues to ensure needs are being met."

The destructive typhoon made landfall three times as it passed through the Philippines. The most affected areas include Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley provinces in Mindanao. According to recent reports from needs assessment teams, some areas in these provinces are facing 80 to 90 percent destruction. With over 6.2 million people affected, thousands of homes destroyed and hundreds of thousands of people seeking support in and from evacuation centres, the humanitarian needs continue to increase.

The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation to ensure humanitarian needs are met and provide further assistance if required.

Backgrounder

Canada continues to respond to Typhoon Bopha

Two weeks after the typhoon first made landfall on the coast of Davao Oriental, the number of dead and affected continues to rise. Approximately 6.2 million people have been affected, with 1,046 confirmed dead, and more than 2,662 reported injured. A total of 167,295 homes have been damaged, including 65,537 totally destroyed. In addition, the typhoon has damaged a number of bridges and roads. Many areas are still experiencing water and power supply interruptions. In addition, many local hospitals and health centres were badly damaged by the typhoon and are struggling to cope with the number of wounded and sick.

Today's announcement will provide support to the following organizations to meet critical needs including food, safe drinking water, sanitation, shelter and other emergency relief items:

--  International Committee of the Red Cross (http://www.icrc.org/eng/) will
    provide tents, essential household item kits, water, and other emergency
    relief items for up to 210,000 typhoon-affected people, including
    assisting in the repair of hospitals and rural healthcare facilities.
    ($500,000)

--  Oxfam Canada (http://www.oxfam.ca/) will provide humanitarian assistance
    to up to 25,000 typhoon-affected people in Davao Oriental and Compostela
    Valley, the two worst hit provinces, to ensure access to clean water,
    sanitation, shelter, food and other emergency relief items, specifically
    targeting the most vulnerable, including women and children. ($500,000)

To date, Canada has allocated $3 million to address the emergency needs of those affected by the impact of Typhoon Bopha in Mindanao, Philippines.

International Humanitarian Assistance Program

CIDA through its International Humanitarian Assistance Program, aims to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain the dignity of those affected by conflicts and natural disasters by providing appropriate, timely, and effective responses.