EU shells out 10M euros to rebuild areas smashed by ‘Yolanda’

By: Kristine Angeli Sabillo - @KSabilloINQ

INQUIRER.net / 02:39 PM November 12, 2013

Philippine soldiers stand near relief supplies for victims of Typhoon Haiyan at Villamor Airbase, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013 in Manila, Philippines. Authorities said at least 9.7 million people in 41 provinces were affected by the typhoon, which was likely the deadliest natural disaster to beset this poor Southeast Asian nation. AP/Wong Maye-E

MANILA, Philippines – The European Union on Tuesday said it will send an additional 10 million euros to the Philippines for the rehabilitation of areas devastated by monster typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan).

EU Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, whose visit to the country coincided with relief and rescue operations in Visayas and other typhoon-hit areas, said the new funds would ensure that there was “no gap between the emergency relief and the longer-term actions.”

The new fund is in addition to the 3 million euros earlier allotted by the EU for emergency resources and the plane loads of relief supplies and rescue teams sent by EU member states.

Read: EU sends planeload of relief supplies for ‘Yolanda’ victims

“Beyond humanitarian assistance, the EU is already making resources for rehabilitation and reconstruction available to ensure that there is a smooth transition from the crisis management to rebuilding people’s lives,” he said in a statement.

Piebalgs said the funds may be used for rehabilitation of water and sanitation systems, basic health, power grid repairs, livelihood support, shelter and repair of structures “that should be more resilient to future typhoons or earthquakes.”

The Commissioner said additional funds may be made available once information on the situation and needs of far-flung areas is made clearer.