U.S. sends Php55 million aid for Typhoon Carina relief

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The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing Php55 million ($1 million) in humanitarian assistance to communities affected by Typhoon Carina (internationally known as Gaemi).

The support aims to address the widespread flooding that has devastated various regions in the Philippines.

During his visit to Manila on July 30, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the aid will target the immediate needs of communities in Bulacan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, the National Capital Region, and Pampanga.

The assistance will be channeled through partnerships with Catholic Relief Services and Action Against Hunger, providing essential supplies like food aid, hygiene kits, emergency shelter kits, clean water, and one-time cash transfers to help families recover with dignity.

“The United States is providing $1 million to ensure life-saving assistance reaches families across the archipelago who have been devastated by severe flooding and landslides,” said USAID Acting Mission Director Betty Chung.

“We are committed to working with the Philippine government and people as they rebuild and recover from this disaster.”

Since July 16, USAID has been aiding the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development in response to the flooding in Mindanao and Central Luzon.

This includes logistical support for the International Organization for Migration in distributing 700 shelter-grade tarpaulins and assisting the World Food Programme in delivering 30,000 family food packs to affected communities.

Typhoon Carina, which intensified the southwest monsoon, resulted in heavy rainfall, extensive flooding, and landslides, leading to at least 14 fatalities and displacing over 700,000 people.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported these figures in their latest assessments.

Since 2021, USAID has provided over Php3 billion ($50 million) in disaster relief and recovery aid to the Philippines, continuing its partnership with the Philippine government to enhance community resilience against disasters.