European Commission sends sympathies, help to typhoon-hit PH

European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso (L). AFP

MANILA, Philippines – The European Commission, in a message sent to President Benigno Aquino III, has pledged its assistance and expressed sympathy to victims of supertyphoon “Yolanda.”

“It was with great emotion and sadness that I learned about the effects of Typhoon Haiyan which resulted in very extensive loss of lives and destruction. On behalf of the European Commission and on my own behalf, I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to you Mr. President and the people of Philippines,” European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said.

Barroso said they already sent a team to the Philippines to help in the relief and assessment of damage.

“We stand ready to contribute with urgent relief and assistance if so required in this hour of need,” he added.

The Commission on Sunday announced that they have allotted 3 million euros in emergency funds for the affected areas.

“In its immediate response to the vast devastation caused in the Philippines by the tropical cyclone Haiyan (Yolanda), the European Commission is making available €3 million to help in emergency relief efforts in the worst affected areas,” it said in a statement.

The fund will cover “the most urgent emergency needs in the worst affected zones.”

“Yolanda” (international name Haiyan) affected at least 4.5 million people in the Philippines, especially in the provinces of Eastern Visayas.

At least 151 bodies were recovered by the government though some officials and humanitarian groups estimate at least thousands of people killed by the world’s strongest typhoon of the year.

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