Reuters AlertNet Lite - Manila says needs $1 bln to rebuild typhoon areas

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Manila says needs $1 bln to rebuild typhoon areas

18 Dec 2006 07:59:56 GMT
Source: Reuters

MANILA, Dec 18 (Reuters) - The Philippines needs about 50 billion pesos ($1.01 billion) to rebuild villages and farms destroyed after four typhoons crashed into the country in the past three months, a Cabinet official said on Monday.

At least 1,850 people were dead or missing, and tens of thousands homeless.

"We're appealing for help through the United Nations," said Esperanza Cabral, secretary of Department of Social Welfare and Development, adding that it could take several years to revive communities destroyed by landslides, flash floods and high winds.

"We're short of funds and whatever little resources we had to cope with disasters have been depleted by four successive strong typhoons during the last three months."

Last week, the United Nations appealed to international donors for $46 million to help feed, clothe and rebuild the lives of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos in the central Bicol region, known as the country's welcome mat for typhoons.

A new tropical storm, Trami, was threatening the Philippines on Monday amid fears it could change direction over the Pacific Ocean and hit the north of the country later this week. The storm's current path shows it heading towards Taiwan.

"It's still outside our area of responsibility, but we're closely watching Trami's movement." said a local weather forecaster. "We'll know more late on Monday whether Trami might pick up speed and hit the northern provinces."

Typhoon Durian, which slammed into the Philippines in late November, killed over 1,000 people when high winds and floods triggered devastating landslides in central Albay province.

Around 120,000 people are still sheltering in evacuation centres in Albay after their homes were destroyed.

Nileema Noble, U.N. resident coordinator for the Philippines, said the appeal for funds was aimed at helping families to get back on their feet and prepare for the next typhoon season, which traditionally runs from May to December.

"It's very important to get the proper assistance to the people in the right places," Noble told a news conference, adding that the next 12 months would be critical for relief efforts.

($1 = 49.3 pesos)

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