The Isle of Man has been thanked for its contribution to international relief efforts in the wake of devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
 
The International Development Committee of the Council of Ministers donated ?100,000 in November to the Disasters Emergency Committee to support aid agencies responding to the crisis.
 
Enrique Manalo, Philippines Ambassador to the UK, said: ‘I would like to extend profound thanks and deepest gratitude to the International Development Committee and all other agencies, departments and officials of the Isle of Man Government for such tremendous support in the wake of the calamity and for selflessly helping those in need.
 
‘Your kindness and generosity saved countless lives and provided comfort, assurance and hope during a most difficult time. We are truly humbled by your expression of solidarity with the Filipino people. From our grateful nation, thank you so much.’
 
Lisa Robinson of the Disasters Emergency Committee explained that funding from the Isle of Man helped to provide food, water, shelter, hygiene kits and psychological support for thousands of people affected by the disaster.
 
She said: ‘I cannot stress enough how important donations such as yours are in helping to deliver this aid. Because of you, we can now start to rebuild lives.’
 
Phil Gawne MHK, Chairman of the International Development Committee, commented: ‘Typhoon Haiyan was a natural disaster on a colossal scale, bringing death and devastation to large areas of the Philippines. As demonstrated by the responses to our donation, support from the Isle of Man continues to make a genuine difference to people’s lives and reinforces our reputation as an internationally responsible country.’
 
The International Development Committee has this month announced funding for international emergency projects in Odisha and South Sudan.
 
Oxfam GB, in partnership with the H&S Davidson Trust, has been awarded ?10,000 to support the restoration of livelihoods and food security for fishing communities in the Indian state of Odisha affected by Tropical Cyclone Phailin.
 
Wind speeds of 130pmh caused a mass exodus from local villages, with heavy rains leading to flooding and a second crisis.
 
A further ?40,000 has been provided to two projects responding to the humanitarian emergency in South Sudan.
 
Oxfam and Christian Aid have each been granted ?20,000 to help people forced to flee their homes as a result of conflict in the region.