Ireland doubles disaster aid to €3m

Development Minister Joe Costello said the Irish Government is pledging an extra €1.6m to the international relief effort – bringing the country's contribution to more than €3m.

But he also called for better co-ordination between global donors to make sure those who need relief most are getting it as quickly as possible.

The money will be used by humanitarian agencies to provide shelter, food, water and health services to the 13 million people devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.

"Ireland acted quickly to respond to Typhoon Haiyan, but as the magnitude of this disaster has become clear, it is all too apparent that further assistance is required," said Mr Costello.

"The situation is critical.

"Immediate threats to life include lack of safe drinking water, lack of shelter, trauma injuries, lack of sufficient food, lack of access to sanitation and personal hygiene."

SYMPATHY

Mr Costello added that Ireland would support humanitarian efforts "to establish clear systems to allow the most effective, efficient and rapid delivery of aid possible".

Meanwhile, Cardinal Sean Brady, head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, has called on people to reach out to those directly affected by the disaster.

"Perhaps you know some Filipino people who would appreciate a message of sympathy and encouragement right now," he said.

"The pain of those who are suffering can be made more painful if the rest of the world goes on as usual and nobody appears to notice or care."

hnews@herald.ie