EU mobilises new support for Philippines' reconstruction

Development Commissioner Piebalgs has announced €10 million of additional EU aid for the rehabilitation of Typhoon Haiyan-affected areas. The new funds come as a proof that the EU is looking at the fastest and most effective link between relief and rehabilitation to benefit the people on the ground within the shortest possible delay. The announcement was made during his visit to the Philippines, which finishes today and has been altered by the devastating effects of the typhoon.

After his discussions in Manila with government officials and with humanitarian experts on the ground, Commissioner Piebalgs said: "Beyond humanitarian assistance, the EU is already making resources for rehabilitation and reconstruction available to ensure that there is a smooth transition from the crisis management to rebuilding people's lives. We would like to see no gap between the emergency relief and the longer-term actions, and we will work closely with the government and other development partners for this to happen."

Areas for intervention can include water and sanitation rehabilitation, power grid repairs, basic health, livelihood support, shelter and repair of infrastructure that should be more resilient to future typhoons or earthquakes.

This assistance comes on top of the first tranche of humanitarian assistance of €3 million previously announced and plane loads of relief supplies and rescue teams on their way from member states. The amount of humanitarian assistance is expected to increase significantly once the information about needs in remote areas is clearer.

Background

The tropical cyclone Haiyan (locally named Yolanda), one of the strongest ever recorded, hit the Philippines on 7 and 8 November. Due to its exceptional strength and size, an estimated 10 million people - or over 10% of the Philippine population – are directly affected. The full extent of destruction is still being accessed. The death toll continues to rise and is expected to exceed appalling 10,000 victims. National and international relief efforts are ongoing, but are expected to be further complicated by a new approaching storm.

The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Haiyan is the 25th typhoon hitting the archipelago this year. Last month the Philippines were hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, which destroyed the homes and livelihoods of around 350,000 people.

Further information

IP/13/1059: European Commission releases emergency funds to help victims of tropical cyclone Haiyan.

IP/13/1063: The EU responds to Haiyan disaster with coordinated relief efforts.

IP/13/1052: New EU support to the Philippines

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