NZ steps up typhoon relief funding for Phl

WELLINGTON (Xinhua) - The New Zealand government today pledged another $2.47 million in relief funding for the Philippines, bringing its total aid funding for those affected by Typhoon Haiyan to NZ$5.12 million.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said the assistance package included direct funding for emergency supplies, such as food, water containers, tarpaulins, generators, kitchen sets and chainsaws.

The package also included a further NZ$750,000 in dollar-for-dollar funding for New Zealand non-government organizations working on the ground, bringing that total to NZ$1.5 million.

"Further funding is being provided to the International Committee of the Red Cross and World Food Programme to help purchase and distribute emergency supplies," McCully said in a statement.

"More than 10 million people have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan, with an estimated 4 million displaced and in need of emergency food and shelter. The death toll is reportedly close to 4,000."

McCully said the additional funding was in addition to the airlift and logistical support being provided by a New Zealand Defence Force Hercules C-130 operating in the Philippines.