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The European Union (EU) announced on Thursday 1.3 million euros or about P63 million of financial aid to provide emergency aid to Philippine families affected by super typhoon “Rolly”.
“Rolly” (international name Goni), which devastated much of the island of Luzon, was the fourth tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines in 2020.
“This contribution will support the Filipino people through our humanitarian partners on the ground who provide critical support to those most affected by Typhoon Goni,” said Janez Lenarčič, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management.
“It will not only meet the immediate needs of the most affected populations, but it will also help the Filipino people restore their homes and livelihoods so that they can recover as soon as possible. The EU stands in solidarity with those affected in the Philippines, ”Lenarčič said in a statement shared by the EU Mission to the Philippines.
EU funding will support humanitarian aid partners on the ground to respond to those most in need. This includes shelter, food and livelihood assistance, as well as access to safe water and medical care.
The funding is part of the EU’s Large Acute Emergency Response Tool (ALERT). An EU humanitarian aid expert has been dispatched to the affected areas to further assess the situation.
ALERT is used to respond to major natural disasters in which more than 100,000 people or more than 50 percent of the population are affected. Depending on the type of disaster, the goal is to allocate funds within 24 to 48 hours after the emergency started, the EU said.
Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Alain Gaschen also said that Switzerland stands in solidarity with the Philippines. “We also expect the rapid recovery of the affected areas.”
“It is with deep regret that we continue to learn about the destruction caused by Typhoon Goni / Rolly that has resulted in the loss of lives, livelihoods and homes,” Gaschen said.
“Rolly” has affected more than two million people, including the residents of Metro Manila. More than 500,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in search of refuge, including in government-run evacuation centers.
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