(European Commission Representation in Bulgaria photo)
MANILA – The European Union (EU) has released EUR200,000 or approximately PHP12.4 million in emergency assistance to help the Philippines respond to the destruction left by Severe Tropical Storm Enteng weeks ago.
The fresh funding is part of its EUR2.2 million or about PHP136.8 million aid package for Southeast Asian countries severely hit by the storm, internationally known as Typhoon Yagi.
“As Southeast Asia has suffered one of the deadliest typhoons in recent years, our thoughts go to all the victims and their families. The EU stands ready to help the affected communities with all the means at its disposal,” Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said in an announcement on Thursday.
“This new funding will help people in Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines to address their most immediate needs,” he added.
Myanmar is set to get the largest chunk of the emergency assistance of up to EUR1.2 million followed by Vietnam and Laos, which will be allocated with EUR650,000 and EUR150,000, respectively.
Prior to the announcement, the EU has activated the Copernicus Emergency Satellite Mapping Service on Sept. 11 and has so far produced 10 maps for damage assessment in affected communities.
Typhoon Yagi has left a trail of widespread destruction in its passage through Northern Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar.
It is one of the strongest typhoons recorded in the region in decades. So far, around 500 people have died, mostly in Vietnam and Myanmar.
In the Philippines, while passing earlier with less intensity, the interaction between Yagi and the southwest monsoon caused severe floods and affected more than three million people across eight regions. (PNA)
