By Xinhua,
Canberra : Australia announced Thursday it has donated an initial 500,000 Australian dollars (478,000 U.S. dollars) to the Philippines National Red Cross to help the typhoon victims.
Typhoon Fengshen struck the Philippines last week, leaving more than 280 people dead.
An AusAid officer has been dispatched to the disaster area to determine how much further assistance will be required, reported Australian Associated Press.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has sent a letter of condolence to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.