US Government To Give $750,000 Aid for Ruby Victims

The United States government is providing $750,000 (close to P33 million) as aid and emergency humanitarian assistance to victims of Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit), which lashed some parts of the country last week leaving with at least 19 people dead.

In a statement, the US Embassy in Manila also commended the Philippine government for its preparations for Ruby as well as its successful response in the cyclone’s wake, report said.

“In close coordination with the government of the Philippines, the United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development’s Office for Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA), will provide aid for emergency humanitarian assistance. This assistance totals $750,000 (P33,408,750),” the statement said.

Moreover, the US Embassy commended the Philippine government for its “extensive preparations” for Ruby, including its “successful response.” It also offered condolences for the lives lost. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims,” it said over GMA News Online report.

Immediately after Ruby’s first landfall, the embassy said USAID and US Pacific Command assessment teams were available to augment US Embassy Manila’s capabilities to monitor Ruby’s impact, report added.

Also, the embassy said the successful response to Ruby featured close cooperation between representatives from USAID, the US Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, and the US military.

In 2014, USAID/OFDA gave about $9.5 million (P423,177,500) for disaster risk reduction programs in the Philippines.

The programs help build community resilience and further strengthen national disaster management capacity.

Ruby heavily affected parts of Visayas and south Luzon, making landfall six times in last week.

Source: GMA News Online