(U.S. marines and Philippine airmen load palletized family food packs onto a U.S. Navy MV-22B Osprey at Clark Air Base on November 13.)
The United States has announced provision for an additional USD1.5 million (PHP87 million) in emergency, life-saving assistance in support of the Philippine government-led response, in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Fung-wong (Uwan), which struck less than a week after the devastation by Typhoon Kalmaegi (Tino).
This brings the total U.S. response to Typhoons Kalmaegi and Fung-wong to USD2.5 million (PHP145 million), including support for logistics, emergency shelter, water, sanitation resources, and the management of evacuation centers.
As millions of Filipinos face the challenges left by these overlapping disasters, including the Cebu earthquake in September, the U.S. continues to support Philippine-led efforts to save lives, alleviate suffering, and address urgent needs.
Meanwhile, as Typhoon Fung-wong has further strained relief efforts on the ground, the U.S. military is working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to provide foreign disaster relief to communities affected by consecutive typhoons, which caused extensive damage and tragic loss of life.
Working in close coordination with the AFP, Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Philippine Office of Civil Defense, Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group, Task Force – Philippines, and U.S. Department of State, the U.S military deployed a variety of assets and personnel to the Philippines to support with foreign disaster relief operations.
“I have been thoroughly impressed by the preparedness and forward-leaning measures taken by the Philippine government during this situation, and we will support the lead of our Philippine counterparts as we carry out this relief mission together as a fully-aligned team,” said U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Robert Brodie, who is also the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Commanding General. “Support to our friends, allies, and partners, and their people in a time of need, is non-negotiable. Together, we are overcoming distance, weather, and logistical challenges to save lives.”
Since November 5, the U.S. military has coordinated mission planning with the Philippine government and military agencies to continue the work of providing vital supplies to regions impacted by the storm.
