Korea boosts support for typhoon-hit Philippines

The Korean government, businesses and civic groups are joining forces to provide relief assistance to the Philippines in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan.

The government on Tuesday unveiled plans to provide $5 million of assistance and dispatch a team of 20 medical professionals, 14 rescue workers, four officials from the state aid agency and two diplomats. They are expected to arrive there as early as Thursday.

Seoul City said Wednesday it would offer $200,000 to the archipelago country through the Red Cross, which separately plans to deliver $100,000 and has started a nationwide campaign to collect 10 billion won ($9.3 million) for additional support.

Child Fund Korea, a civic organization, said it decided to provide 100 million won initially and began a fund-raising campaign for further assistance.

In the business community, Samsung Group plans to donate $1 million via the Red Cross and World Vision and send a 20-strong volunteer corps from its Philippine unit.

Hyundai and Kia, Korea’s top two automakers, each offered $30 million to help the recovery, while LG Group is considering free emergency repair services for home appliances.

Hite-Jinro Group, a major soju and beer maker, said it will distribute 100,000 bottles of mineral water.

Other companies including SK, GS and Hanwha are considering donations or relief supplies.

As of Wednesday morning, 23 of the 55 Koreans living or traveling in the hardest-hit Tacloban area remain missing, Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said.

Manila’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has confirmed more than 1,700 deaths. President Benigno Aquino III told CNN that the toll could hit 2,000 or 2,500, lower than earlier estimates from local officials and media of up to 10,000.

Almost 620,000 people have been displaced and 9.5 million affected across nine regions, according to the U.N.’s office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

By Shin Hyon-hee (heeshin@heraldcorp.com)