Statements regarding Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA ON TYPHOON HAIYAN
Ottawa, Ontario
9 November 2013
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on Typhoon Haiyan, which first hit the Philippines on November 8th:
“On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I extend our deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones as a result of Typhoon Haiyan. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this devastating natural disaster.
“Canada is standing by to offer any possible assistance to the Philippines in responding to this emergency. Our officials in Ottawa and at our mission in Manila continue to closely monitor the situation, and remain in contact with relevant local officials and humanitarian partners.
“I am keenly aware of all the Filipino-Canadians anxiously waiting fornewson their loved ones.
“Relatives and friends seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in the affected areas should contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling 1-800-387-3124 or 613-996-8885. They may also send an email to sos@international.gc.ca. Visit:http/pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2013/11/09/statement-prime-minister-canada-typhoon-haiyan / Francais: http/pm.gc.ca/fra/nouvelles/2013/11/09/declaration-du-premier-ministre-du-canada-au-sujet-du-typhon-haiyan
STATEMENT OF SEN. TOBIAS C. ENVERGA, JR. AFFECTING THE VICTIMSOF SUPERTYPHOON YOLANDA:
November 8, 2013
Ottawa, Ontario -- Senator Tobias C. Enverga Jr. offers his condolences to the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
"It is with great sadness that we witness yet another natural disaster unfolding in my country of birth, the Philippines.
“On behalf of myself and my family, we extend our condolences ...to thevictims, their families and friends.”
Typhoon Yolanda made landfall with record winds at speeds over 300 kilometers per hour early this morning. Already, there were reports of several deaths and serious damage, but it is too early to get a complete picture of the devastation.
In anticipation of the Super Typhoon, local authorities have coordinated evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people, and taken other precautionary steps with the assistance of both Canada and the United Nations agencies on the ground. “We hope that these efforts will prove effective in limiting loss of life,” Sen. Enverga, Jr. said.
“Please know that all the people who are in the affected areas, and their friends and families here in Canada and around the world, are in our prayers at this terrible time. We pray that the victims will find strength to once again overcome adversity.
“Our Government is monitoring the situation very closely and stands readytohelp with our international partners as needs become clear.
“God bless.”
STATEMENT FROM MINISTER PARADIS AND MINISTER YELICH: Canada is deeply concerned for the people of the Philippines affected by Typhoon Haiyan
November 8, 2013
Ottawa — Today Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie, and Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (ForeignAffairs and Consular) issued the following statement:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this powerful storm and Canada stands ready to support relief efforts and provide humanitarian assistance as required," said Minister Paradis. "We are in close contact with government authorities as well as humanitarian actors on the ground and Canadian field staff in the Philippines providing regular updates directly to my office."
Thousands have already been evacuated, and with the help of Canadian and UN assistance, the local government has taken precautions in order to help deal with the effects of the typhoon, including the stockpiling of food,water,temporary shelter and medicines to mount an effective response.
"Canadian officials in Ottawa and at our embassy in Manila are in close contact with Filipino authorities and will continue to monitor the impact of the typhoon," said Minister Yelich. "Canada stands ready to provide emergency consular assistance as required."
Canadian citizens in the Philippines requiring emergency consular assistance should contact theCanadian embassy in Manila at (02) 857-9000 or Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by dialing 1-800-1-110-0226 (toll-free within the Philippines if calling from a landline) or 001-613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted whereavailable).
Friends and relatives in Canada concerned for Canadian citizens they believe to be in the affected area should contact Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa by calling toll-free 1-800-387-3124 or 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted) or sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.
