MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 23, 2011) – Washington is providing an additional $800,000 (or roughly P34.4 million) to address the immediate needs of victims of tropical storm Washi in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities in northern Mindanao, the US embassy said Friday.
The funding augments initial assistance of $100,000 (P4.1 million) provided by the US Government through the United States Agency for International Development’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. It said the funds will be used to support ongoing emergency relief and early recovery operations by the Philippine government in disaster-stricken areas.
The embassy said earlier this week, an assessment team from USAID/OFDA visited flood-affected areas of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and based on their assessment and discussions with Philippine authorities, they determined that the additional funding will provide for logistical support for water distribution and temporary shelter materials.
It said the US Marine Forces Pacific are working with the National Development Support Unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to bring in three high-capacity water purification units capable of processing 13,000 gallons of water per day.
MARFORPAC is also providing technical experts who will assist the AFP in the deployment and operation of these units. The United States Joint Special Operations Task Force–Philippines responded to calls for immediate assistance on December 18 with the loan of two 15-foot Zodiac rubber boats with 55hp outboard engines to the AFP’s Naval Special Operations Unit to support early search and rescue operations.
“The United States applauds the rescue, relief, and recovery efforts undertaken by Philippine civilian and military authorities. We continue to dialogue with appropriate Philippine Government agencies and others to determine what additional assistance might be necessary.”
“While we believe that the resilience of flood-affected communities will eventually prevail, the US Government and the American people are committed to providing further assistance as requested and where needed to ensure that survivors can get back on their feet and start anew,” Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. said.
US troops have been criticized by Filipino military officials after they failed to assist immediately in the rescue operations in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. US commander said the Philippine government has to make a formal request before they can help in the rescue efforts.
More than 1,000 people had died from the flash floods in northern Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)
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