Thai aid for flood victims

MANILA, Philippines—The government of Thailand has handed over to the Philippines a $100,000 (P4.3 million) donation to assist families affected by last month’s massive Luzon flooding triggered by monsoon rains.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said Thailand’s assistance “will go a long way towards helping the flood victims recover from the calamity,” which displaced thousands in Metro Manila and nearby provinces in Southern and Central Luzon.

Chargé d’ Affaires Thanis Na Songkhla turned over to Del Rosario on Thursday Thailand’s donation at the Department of Foreign Affairs.  The foreign office said the amount will be forwarded to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, which oversees emergency operations.

The assistance followed aid that foreign governments gave the Philippines to help relief and rehabilitation efforts after the floods.  The European Union, the United States, Korea and the United Nations have all pitched in give immediate aid to flood-hit communities.