MANILA, Philippines - Australia has promised P55 million to help victims of flashfloods caused by tropical storm Sendong.

Australian Ambassador Rod Smith relayed his country's condolences to the people of northern Mindanao Monday.

""The scale of destruction has taken everyone by surprise. Australia stands ready to help Filipino families affected by this disaster get back on their feet," he said in a press statement.

Smith said Australia is responding to the needs of disaster-stricken communities with AusAID partnership with the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Philippine Red Cross.

Money from the Australian government has financed kits of non-food items such as sleeping mats, mosquito nets, hygiene kits, and cooking items that have been pre-positioned with the Philippine Red Cross in strategic locations around the country.

Up to 5,000 kits valued at P12.6 million are now being given to storm-affected families, according to Smith.

"These pre-positioned kits enable the Philippine Red Cross to immediately respond to the needs of families affected by natural disasters. These kits are being distributed to families in evacuation centers, particularly around Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities," Smith said.

Australia also earmarked an additional P42 million to help the Philippine government buy medicines, give temporary shelter, and provide livelihood support to people affected by disasters in the county.

"Australia strives to be responsive to our friends in the aftermath of disasters. We have a strong focus on Mindanao and the worst affected provinces (Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur) are all key partners of the Australian aid program," Smith said.

"We have built strong relationships with the people of these provinces in recent years. This support highlights our commitment to these provincial partnerships," he added.

"Australia will continue to work with the Philippines Government and stands ready to offer further assistance if needed," Smith said.

Australia is the top grant donor to the Philippines, giving P5.5 billion in [grant] aid in 2011-12, he said.