The US State Department announced the launch of an aid program to the Philippines, currently worth $1 million (about 860,000 euros), to continue rescue and reconstruction efforts in the Philippines after the devastating passage of Typhoon Kalmigi, which has already left more than 180 people dead in the country.
“In the wake of the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaigi (Tino), the United States is strengthening Philippines-led response efforts,” the State Department said in a statement. “By providing emergency shelter, logistics, clean water, and sanitation, the United States is supporting communities hardest hit by the storm, many of which are still recovering from subsequent storms and the Cebu earthquake in September.”
The cyclone made landfall on Tuesday, causing waves nearly three meters high and wind gusts of more than 100 kilometers per hour in its wake. Nearly 1.4 million homes were left without connection to the electricity grid, a problem that left seven million affected.
The number of damaged homes in the Asian country now stands at more than 9,300, while 264 homes were completely destroyed. Likewise, more than 88,600 families received assistance in about 3,000 evacuation centers, although another 23,300 families were outside shelters.
The US authorities said, “The United States and the Philippines are not only loyal allies, but they are also friends and partners united by a common history, common values, and a firm commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” and they also considered their rapid response “a testament to the solidity and strength of our enduring relations.”
He described this aid line, worth one million dollars, as “immediate” and did not rule out making future financial contributions due to the arrival of a new storm on the coast of the Philippines in the coming days.
“The United States is committed to supporting Philippines-led efforts, working together to save lives, alleviate suffering, and help communities recover from these disasters,” the State Department statement said.
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