US pledges P13-M humanitarian aid
The United States pledged on Friday funding totaling P13.8 million to augment the Philippines’ disaster response following torrential rains and severe flooding that struck several parts of the country over the past week.
“We are tracking the devastation caused by the storms and floods and are deeply concerned for all those affected,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said in a statement.
The US Embassy said the funding will be coursed through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support government relief and recovery efforts in affected areas, specifically in Luzon.
“The US Embassy’s interagency team is coordinating closely with the Philippine government and the WFP to ensure aid reaches those in need.”
The funding is provided through the US Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration and will support government operations by facilitating the transport of food to flood-affected communities in Metro Manila, northern and Central Luzon and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon).
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the death toll from the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and the tropical cyclones “Crising,” “Dante” and “Emong” has climbed to 25.
A total of 1.06 million families, or 3.84 million individuals, were affected by the flooding and torrential rains, the NDRRMC said.
