Singapore Announces S$50,000 Aid To Storm-Hit Philippines

SINGAPORE, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- The Singapore government on Monday announced a S$50,000 (RM121,887) aid to the Philippines to help the people affected by tropical storm Washi which has reportedly left more than 500 dead. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the donation will be channelled through the Singapore Red Cross to the Philippine Red Cross. The storm, which hit the island of Mindanao on Thursday, caused flash floods which washed away entire villages and left many other people missing or feared drowned. The ministry said in another statement that Acting President J.Y. Pillay and Acting Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean have sent condolences to Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino on the loss of lives and damage caused by the tropical storm. -- BERNAMA