US Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson. The US was among those who offered assistance to the Philippines as Super Typhoon Carina pummeled the country on July 24, 2024. —File photo from the official website of the US Embassy in the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines – The United States, Australian, Chinese, and Canadian Embassies in Manila have offered assistance as the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) and Super Typhoon Carina pummel several parts of the Philippines, including Metro Manila.
In a statement on Wednesday, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said coordination between the embassy and the Philippine government is continuous.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all friends, partners, allies affected by the flooding and other severe effects caused by (Super Typhoon) Carina. The US Embassy team is working closely with (Philippine) government agencies and is already providing assistance,” she said in a post on X.
READ: Chinese envoy extends sympathy to Carina-affected Filipinos
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Super Typhoon Carina
The US government has so far provided 700 emergency shelters in Maguindanao del Sur and the Bangsamoro region since July 21, through the US Agency for International Development and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in coordination with local authorities.
“We continue to coordinate closely with local partners to discuss additional ways for the United States to provide assistance to affected communities,” US Embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay said.
Australian Ambassador HK Yu said Canberra is also prepared to respond if requested by the Philippines.
“Australia offers its sympathies to communities affected by (Typhoon) Carina. The Embassy continues to monitor the situation and is keeping contact with Philippine government and partners. Australia is prepared to respond if requested,” she posted on X.
In separate posts, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian and Canadian Ambassador David Hartman conveyed readiness to extend assistance.
“My heart is with all our Filipino friends affected by Typhoon Carina. Our sincere sympathy goes to those who have lost their loved ones in the floods. Stand ready to provide help and get through this trying time together,” Huang said.
Hartman, for his part, said: “The Embassy of Canada expresses its concerns and sympathies to those individuals & communities impacted by (Typhoon) Carina. We are closely monitoring the situation & stand ready to support as needed.”
Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo and European Union Ambassador Luc Veron, meanwhile, sent their thoughts to the families affected.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by (Super Typhoon) Carina. To the families who have lost loved ones and those enduring hardships, our thoughts are with you. Let us hold on together in these tough times and stay safe,” Endo said.
A total of 183,464 families or 882,861 persons have been affected as torrential rains and floods struck Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Region.
As of this posting, a total of eight dead, two injured, and one missing person were reported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.