01.10.2009 - Press release
Swiss aid for flood victims in the Philippines

Switzerland has contributed a total amount of CHF 450,000 as immediate aid for the flood victims in the Philippines. The Humanitarian Aid of the Confederation immediately approved this emergency aid and has also sent experts to assess the extent of the damage together with Red Cross experts in the Philippines.

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is very shocked by the large number of deaths and by the extent of the damage caused by tropical storm Ketsana in the Philippines. According to the latest information, this storm, which has left over 250 people dead and und 500,000 homeless in 600 evacuation centres, is the worst experienced in the last 40 years.

To alleviate the great distress and to show solidarity with the many victims, the Humanitarian Aid of the Confederation immediately granted a credit of CHF 250,000, which will be used by the Philippine Red Cross to help victims. Humanitarian Aid is also sending two experts from the Humanitarian Aid corps to assess needs in the Philippines. The Swiss representation in the Philippines continues to monitor developments closely. Switzerland and the Philippines have signed a bilateral aid agreement.