MANILA - The international community and global organizations have sent their sympathies to the Philippines following the devastation of Typhoon Ompong (international name: Mangkhut) over the weekend.
Ompong, the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year, left at least 74 people dead and dozens other trapped after a landslide buried an emergency shelter in Itogon, Benguet.
AUSTRALIA
Australia said it was giving A$800,000 (P31 million) in humanitarian assistance for victims of Ompong.
The aid will be distributed through the Philippine Red Cross and includes sleeping mats, blankets, and hygiene and shelter kits for up to 25,000 people in typhoon-ravaged areas.
CANADA
Canada on Tuesday extended its condolences to the Philippines, saying it is "ready to assist as appropriate to help areas affected."
“Our thoughts are with the many people affected by super typhoon Mangkhut (local name Ompong), which is causing significant devastation in the Philippines and is now hitting Hong Kong, Macau and mainland southern China," Global Affairs Canada said.
"Canada offers its sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and we hope for a swift recovery for those injured," it added.
CHINA
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday told President Rodrigo Duterte that Beijing was mourning the fatalities due to Ompong's devastation.
In his message to the Philippine leader released by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, Xi said China shared the sadness of the Philippine people over their sufferings and is willing to help as much as possible.
Xi also expressed sympathy for those injured, bereaved families and residents in affected areas.
Ompong also ripped through southern China after roaring through northern Luzon.
JAPAN
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a message of condolences to Duterte following Ompong's onslaught, Japan's foreign ministry said.
"On behalf of the Japanese government and people, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and express my sympathy to those who were affected," Abe told Duterte in a message last Saturday, Sept. 15.
The Japanese leader added that Tokyo was ready to provide the "maximum possible assistance including provision of emergency relief goods to the Philippines."
"Like the Philippines, we fully understand the hardship caused by severe damages of typhoons. Japan always stands with the Philippines in overcoming this time of difficulties," Abe said.
Japan was devastated earlier this month by the strongest typhoon to hit the mainland in a quarter century.
EUROPEAN UNION
The European Commission is sending an emergency aid package
worth €2 million (P125.06 million).
“Our contribution will help provide crucial support to those most in need and help them face the challenges during this time of need," said Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides in a statement.
The EU said the aid will be used for shelter, emergency relief items distribution, water and sanitation, food security and humanitarian protection for victims of the typhoon.
UNITED KINGDOM
The United Kingdom said it was coordinating with the Philippine government in assessing the damage left by Ompong and offered its assistance.
"We offer our assistance to the Philippine Government in response to Typhoon Ompong, and are actively assessing needs in cooperation with DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and OCD (Office of Civil Defense), and international partners," its embassy in Manila said in a tweet.
UK Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt added that London was "ready to support the Philippines in its relief effort."
UNITED NATIONS
The United Nations World Food Program said Sunday it would transport 20,000 bags of rice to be distributed as rations to victims of the typhoon.
"The rice is transported from the National Food Authority in Valenzuela to the DSWD National Resource Operations Center," it said in a statement.
The agency added that it would also help in assessing the food security situation in areas badly-hit by the typhoon, namely the Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region.
UNITED STATES
US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said Washington was in close contact with Manila and remains ready to assist victims of the deadly typhoon.
"My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in the flooding and landslides from Ompong. We are in close contact with the Government of the Philippines, and remain ready to assist," Kim said in a tweet Sunday.
source: news.abs-cbn.com
