UN, EU mobilizing support for Philippines following Rolly onslaught

The United Nations and the European Union said they will support the government's response to assist communities affected by the onslaught of super Typhoon Rolly that battered the southeastern portion of Luzon last Sunday.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez confirmed to the Philippine government the readiness of the humanitarian community to support national efforts.

“We have not waited for the landfall of this typhoon to mobilize our humanitarian teams and take action,” said Gonzalez in a statement.

“UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs are already working with relevant government departments and offices, Philippine Red Cross, and with private sector groups to coordinate our efforts to support the conduct of rapid needs assessments and swiftly assist the most vulnerable people caught in the typhoon’s destructive path.”

The EU also vowed to assist in recovery efforts.

"Our solidarity with the Filipino people as typhoon #RollyPh batters the country, particularly Bicol region. The resiliency, strength, and courage of the Filipinos will persevere in these trying times," it said on Twitter.

More than two million individuals from 12 regions have been affected by the typhoon,  according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

At least 10 were killed and three were reported missing, officials said, noting the number could have been higher if local governments did not enforce preemptive evacuation in areas on Rolly's path.

Humanitarian agencies, the UN said, are conducting assessments of the humanitarian impact of the typhoon - the strongest to hit the country this year - including in the most affected areas, in coordination with the government while observing all movement restrictions and safety protocols in place due to COVID-19.

Philippine Red Cross emergency response teams are also supporting the authorities in search and rescue efforts and in providing immediate relief to hard-hit communities as the disaster unfolds, it added.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is doing impact assessments, while International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing support to the authorities in the management of evacuation centers, the UN said.

The World Food Programme has already received a request for logistical support to food distributions, it added.—AOL, GMA News