OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 10/25/11 -- Today, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced Canada's support to help the people of Thailand affected by floods caused by monsoon rains, typhoons and tropical storms.
"The Government of Canada is extending its help to meet the humanitarian needs recently caused by extensive flooding in Thailand," said Minister Oda. "Canada's assistance will help to provide clean water, basic medicines and essential household relief items to support those who are most vulnerable in the wake of these natural disasters."
Thailand is experiencing severe flooding due to multiple typhoons, tropical storms and monsoons that have hit the region since July, resulting in more than 300 deaths in Thailand and affecting more than two million people. In addition, the flooding has had an adverse impact on more than four million acres of agricultural land and more than 10,000 villages throughout Thailand.
Canada, through CIDA, is responding with $1 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The IFRC will help meet the immediate material needs of approximately 27,000 families through the distribution of relief kits. Each kit contains food and essential items such as hygiene supplies, basic household medicine and safe drinking water.
Contacts:
Justin Broekema
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
819-953-6238
justin.broekema@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
819-953-6534
media@acdi-cida.gc.ca