Australia willing to give humanitarian assistance to the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - The Australian government is willing top help the Philippines as Typhoon Lando wreaks havoc in Luzon, the Australian ambassador to the Philippines said.

"The Australian government stands ready to provide humanitarian assistance if requested following Typhoon Koppu, known locally as ‘Lando,’" Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell was quoted as saying in a statement released in the Australia in The Philippines Facebook page.

Tweddell said Australia is a close friend to the Philippines and the country extends its sympathy to those affected by the natural disaster.

The typhoon has killed at least two people and displaced thousands in Luzon as it continues to pummel the northeastern part of the country.

"While the full scale of the disaster is still uncertain, we will continue to cooperate closely with the Philippine government and our network of humanitarian partners to obtain information on emergency operations and needs," Tweddell said.