NZ contributes $150K to typhoon relief

Residents living near the slopes of Mayon volcano are evacuated to public schools by police in anticipation of typhoon Haiyan.Photo / AP

New Zealand has contributed $150,000 towards relief efforts in the typhoon-ravaged Philippines and more support could be on its way.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully said the funding had gone to the Red Cross to support immediate relief efforts in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

He said the contribution would help the Red Cross maintain emergency supply stocks and carry out impact assessments in affected areas.

"Typhoon Haiyan was one of the largest storms on record and has had a major impact on the Philippines - a country that has recently been hit by successive natural disasters," Mr McCully said.

"New Zealand will consider further support as the full extent of the damage becomes clear."

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Authorities in the Philippines have confirmed 138 deaths due to the typhoon, which flattened buildings and knocked out infrastructure, but the estimated death toll could be closer to 1000.

New Zealanders can make donations to UNICEF's emergency response to Typhoon Haiyan at: www.unicef.org.nz/philippines

Photo gallery: Typhoon slams Philippines

Image 1 of 7: Typhoon Haiyan taken by the NEXSAT satellite Thursday Nov. 7, 2013 at 2:30 a.m. EDT. Photo / AP