EU brings P125M worth of emergency aid to ‘Ompong’-hit areas

The European Commission (EC) has mobilized approximately P125.06 million worth of emergency aid package to victims of Typhoon “Ompong.”

“The EU (European Union) is supporting the people of the Philippines, many of whom are in urgent need of assistance after the devastating effects of the cyclone,” Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said in a statement on Tuesday.

He said the “contribution will help provide crucial support to those most in need” and will help the victims “face the challenges during this time of need.”

The commission said the aid package will provide shelter, emergency relief items, water and sanitation, food security and humanitarian protection to the “most vulnerable among those who have lost their homes due to the powerful winds, intense flooding and subsequent landslides in the aftermath of the storm.”

An EC humanitarian expert has been deployed to Ompong-affected areas to “assess the needs on the ground.”

Earlier, the EU has expressed its readiness to assist the Philippines in the recovery and relief operations due to the destruction caused by the typhoon.

READ: EU ready to assist PH in recovery from Typhoon ‘Ompong’

“Ompong” was the strongest typhoon to hit the country so far this year.

It entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility last Wednesday afternoon and made landfall in Cagayan-Isabela area last Saturday. /ee