Responding to pleas coming out of the Philippines, World Vision New Zealand has committed US$25,000 (NZ$36,500) to help with the relief effort.

World Vision New Zealand's new CEO Lisa Cescon says thanks to the generosity of New Zealanders, the largest aid and development organisation in this country is in a position to be able to respond to the call for help.

"The pledge will be covered by our Children in Crisis – emergencies and disaster mitigation programme, which helps us respond quickly and effectively in times of need like this one," says Miss Cescon.

Typhoon Durian ripped through the Philippines last week, affecting more than 800,000. There are fears that more than 1,000 people have been killed – latest news reports have 450 declared dead and more than 600 people still missing.

Four relief teams from World Vision are on the affected ground, assessing the needs of the people hardest hit by the typhoon.

World Vision Philippines is appealing for US$1 million (NZ$1.45m) to buy emergency food items like rice, beans, fish, oil as well as essential non-food items such as blankets, cooking sets, mats and tents for a three-month response, targeting 56,000 people.

Crops and fishing boats have been destroyed, literally ripping people's livelihoods out from underneath them. Fuel is running out, so people cannot move around, and water is scarce.

The four relief teams are in the provinces of Albay, Catanduanes, Marinduque and Camarines Sur, which were all badly hit by the typhoon.

To donate to World Vision's Children in Crisis programmes, visit rampant.co.nz/childrenincrisis.

ENDS

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