25 November 2013 - Under the directive of the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar sent two planes carrying 80 tonnes of relief supplies to the Philippines on November 13. The urgent aid included food, medicine, tents and blankets to address the immediate needs of the victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

The Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) and other major charity organizations organized a 'Day of Solidarity' on November 19 to help raise financial aid and relief donations for the victims of Yolanda. The month-long fundraising drive aims to raise financial support and relief aids for the most immediate needs of the victims. QRC will also provide shelter repair kits to families whose houses have been partially damaged and transitional shelters for those who lost their homes.

Doha Bank and other financial institutions and remittance centers in Qatar  waived their remittance fees for a certain period to allow immediate flow of financial aid to the typhoon victims. 

The United Filipino Organization of Qatar, the umbrella organization of all Filipino community groups, led the campaign to raise donations for the victims affected by typhoon Yolanda.

As of November 19, cash donations from Filipino individuals, private businesses, and the expatriate community in Qatar have reached 40,500 Qatari riyals. Filipino volunteers continue to offer assistance in packing donations in kind to be shipped to the Philippines.

Qatar Airways also gave 20 tonnes of air cargo for the shipment of donations in kind. LBC, DHL and other freight forwarders also committed to provide assistance in shipping donated relief goods for the typhoon victims.

Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Crescente R. Relacion expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support for the victims of Yolanda (Haiyan), “We have received tremendous responses from many countries, and whatever those counties will contribute, we are very thankful for them.” END