US extends P4.3M in aid to PH flood, landslide victims

Rescue workers retrieve a body (C) of a landslide victim on a mountain side at Barangay Balaybay, Olongapo City, Zambales, north of Manila on September 24, 2013. Monsoon rains worsened by Typhoon Usagi pounded the Philippines for the third day on September 23, causing floods and landslides that left 18 people dead and others stranded on rooftops, officials said. AFP

MANILA, Philippines — The United States has provided P4.3 million ($100,000) in aid to the Philippines to bring aid to those affected by flooding and landslides in Zambales and Bataan, the US Embassy in Manila said on Thursday.

The amount will be used to provide urgent relief needs, including water purification and hygiene supplies to some 10,000 affected people, according to the embassy’s statement.

“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,” said US Ambassador to the Philippine Harry Thomas Jr.

Monsoon rains and flooding wrought by typhoon “Odette” caused unprecedented flooding and landslides in Subic, Zambales, former home of US naval bases, and parts of Bataan on Monday.

Thomas cited cooperation among affected communities and vowed to continue working with the Philippines in the relief efforts.

“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.

The US, through the US Agency for International Development, has been among the top providers of aid for the Philippines, giving some P3.4 billion in humanitarian assistance to calamity-hit residents across the country in the last five years.