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The European Union (EU) is set to provide humanitarian aid to the Philippines after more than half a million people have been displaced by nonstop monsoon rains in Metro Manila and nearby areas.
The Delagation of the EU has dispatched a local humanitarian aid expert on the field to assess damages caused by heavy rains, Lubomir Frebort, Chargé d’Affaires of the Delegation, said in a statement.
The assessment will also “determine possible assistance for the affected population in line with European Union policy of providing humanitarian aid to the victims of both natural and man-made disasters worldwide,” Frebort said.
Frebort also expressed its sympathy and condolences to the families whose kin were hurt and/or died by the rainfall’s effects.
"The Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines extends its deep sympathy to more than 800,000 people affected by the heavy downpour in three regions,” he added.
Meanwhile, although the United States has already provided $100,000 or P4.3-million as initial cash assistance to local relief efforts, it will likewise conduct an initial damage assessment through the USAID (United States Agency for International Development).
“Ass a good friend and longstanding development partner, the United States will work with the Philippine government to determine where our assistance is more needed. We remain committed to helping the Philippine people overcome this difficult time,” US Ambassador Harry Thomas said.
“On behalf of the US government and the American people, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to those who are displaced and who have lost homes and livelihoods due to the floods,” Thomas added.
The US has been a key partner of the Philippines in providing immediate humanitarian response during natural calamities.
For its part, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has assured that it would continue provide assistance round the clock with more areas in Metro Manila and other provinces still under water.
PRC secretary General Gwendolyn Pang said that it would distribute more relief goods and would conduct hygiene promotion in some 174 evacuation centers where 11,591 families were displaced from home and are now sheltered in schools or covered court.
“Red Cross will also conduct quick assessment of the situation and furthers needs of the affected families in Metro Manila and other flooded areas,” she added.
PRC chairman Richard Gordon on the other hand would distribute relief goods to patients, crew, and staff in the University of Sto. Tomas Hospital, Epifanio Delos Santos Hospital, and University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Hospital.
To recall the UERM hospital, UST hospitals and Philippine General Hospitals have called on all concerned citizens to donate some diesel for their generators that provide power to life-support systems to patients who are in critical condition.
As of Wednesday, the PRC 143 volunteers has rescued some 1,047 individuals and assisting in the evacuation of more than 8,000 in Valenzuela, Rizal, Caloocan, Manila among others.
The Quezon City Red Cross assisted in the search and rescue of the victims of the landslides in Commonwealth where three persons were given first aid and transported to a nearby hospital.
The organization has also provided hot meals to more than 7,500 persons in various evacuation centers.
It also deployed life-saving equipment such as amphibian, rubber boats, ambulances, and trucks and further intensified its rescue and relief operations to assist more people, especially in worst hit areas.
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