US gov't gives $1.5M to Kristine victims

A total of P84 million or $1.5 million will be provided by the government of the United States to aid the Philippine government’s relief and response measures for the victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

The amount will augment the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) ongoing efforts to deliver assistance to those affected by Kristine, particularly those in the Bicol Region and in Batangas.

According to the US Embassy in Manila, the funding will provide essential services such as clean water, sanitation, emergency shelter, and cash assistance.

This will also provide logistical support when it comes to the management of evacuation centers.

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson expressed sympathies to those affected by Kristine.

“My heart goes out to all those suffering the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Kristine,” Carlson said.

“We are working side by side with the Philippine government to bring relief to communities in need,” she added.

Since October 25, the US government has worked with humanitarian partners to deliver lifesaving humanitarian relief material prepositioned across the country.

As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, 125 people have been reported dead, data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council showed.

Authorities also said that 28 individuals remain missing and 115 others were reported injured. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News