U.S. provides assistance to monsoon victims in Central Luzon

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): U.S. provides assistance to monsoon victims in Central Luzon

The U.S. government is providing $ 100,000 or about P4.3 million to assist in the Philippine government’s relief efforts for victims of flooding and landslides in Zambales and Bataan, which suffered massive damage due to the southwest monsoon intensified by typhoon "Odette" early this week.

“On behalf of the U.S. government and the American people, we extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to those who have lost their loved ones, homes and livelihoods. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected,” U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas said in a statement on Thursday.

Through United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the assistance will provide for immediate relief items including hygiene kits and water purification supplies for up to 10,000 displaced and other affected people.

The onslaught of Odette has affected more than 70,000 in Central and Northern Luzon, Bicol and Western Visayas and killed 27 from landslides.

“I would like to commend the ‘bayanihan’ spirit demonstrated by the communities in helping those in need.

We will work with our Philippine Government counterparts to boost their relief efforts and help the victims overcome this tragedy,” Thomas said.

Thomas said that over the past five years, the U.S. has provided P3.4 billion in humanitarian assistance to help the Philippines cope with the effects of disasters through mechanisms to adapt, respond to, and prepare for these incidents.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=569925