The United States government is providing approximately ₱13.8 million ($250,000) in emergency assistance through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support the Philippine government’s life-saving operations following severe flooding across Luzon caused by successive storms and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
This support, coursed through the US Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, will help transport vital food aid to communities in areas among the hardest hit by the recent weather events: Metro Manila, Northern and Central Luzon, and Calabarzon.
“We are tracking the devastation caused by the storms and floods and are deeply concerned for all those affected,” said US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson in a news release.
“The US Embassy’s interagency team is coordinating closely with the Philippine government and the WFP to ensure aid reaches those in need,” she added.
Over the past several weeks, intense monsoon rains worsened by Typhoons Crising (Wipha), Dante (Francisco), and Emong (Co-may) have led to catastrophic flooding and landslides across the country, claiming at least 34 lives, injuring 18, and leaving 7 people missing. More than 6.6 million individuals have been affected, with over 53,000 families forced into evacuation centers.
Government said infrastructural damage is extensive, with ₱7.36 billion in estimated losses, including destruction to hundreds of road sections and bridges, paralyzing transportation and logistics. At least 15,220 homes have been damaged, while agricultural losses have soared to ₱1.68 billion, affecting more than 50,000 farmers and damaging nearly 48,400 hectares of cropland.
Flooding has been reported in over 500 areas, with 30 landslides logged nationwide. Numerous provinces and cities, including parts of Metro Manila, have declared a state of calamity as the country continues to grapple with the cumulative effects of the disasters.
The US assistance underscores the enduring partnership between the two countries especially in times of crisis.
Relief efforts by local and national government units are ongoing, as new assessments are expected from still-inaccessible areas.
