EU extends P7.8M in humanitarian aid to ‘Usman’ victims
MANILA, Philippines — A total of P7.836 million in humanitarian aid from the European Union (EU) will reach 15,000 people affected by Tropical Depression “Usman,” the organization said on Thursday.
In a statement, the EU said it will allocate 130,000 euros (P7.836 million) in humanitarian funding “to bring life-saving assistance to the most affected families” particularly those in the most affected areas in the provinces of Albay and Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region.
The EU noted that the funding will support the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in delivering immediate assistance through the distribution of emergency relief items such as tarpaulins, blankets, sleep mats, hygiene kits, and access to clean water.
“First aid services are also being provided while hygiene promotion activities are being carried out to mitigate the spread of waterborne diseases amongst the impacted communities,” the EU said.
“In addition, cash grants will also be distributed to 4,500 people identified as most vulnerable, to enable them to sustain themselves during displacement and restart their livelihood activities,” it added.
The latest information from the National Disaster Risk Reduction Council (NDRRMC) showed that a total of 30,469 families or 128,982 persons from Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas were affected by “Usman.”
READ: NDRRMC: Nearly 130,000 persons affected by ‘Usman’
NDRRMC also reported that Usman left 126 dead and at least 26 missing with most of the casualties from the Bicol Region, where more than 109 bodies were found.
READ: Landslides raise ‘Usman’ death toll to 126
In Buhi, Camarines Sur alone, 22 were killed by landslides. /muf
READ: Death toll in landslide-hit Camarines Sur town rises to 22; 5 still missing
