China to aid Philippines after Rolly onslaught

The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Tuesday announced that it is “stand ready” to assist the Philippines’ relief and recovery efforts after the onslaught of Super Typhoon Rolly.

“We are deeply saddened by the massive destruction caused by Typhoon Rolly (Goni). Our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the victims and the families who have suffered immense losses of lives and properties, and sincerely hope for speedy recovery in the affected areas,” the Chinese Embassy said in a statement.

“We stand ready to join the recovery efforts to help those hit by the powerful typhoon,” it added.

Earlier, the Australian Embassy in the Philippines said it will distribute 1,000 hygiene and emergency shelter kits to those affected by Rolly.

The Australian Embassy said the items will be distributed in the Bicol Region together with the Philippine Red Cross.

The United Nations and the European Union said they will support the government's response to assist communities affected by the super typhoon.

Rolly has weakened into a tropical storm and is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility Tuesday.

The typhoon caused devastation in areas along its path, including Catanduanes where it first made landfall, and provinces such as Albay, Quezon, and Batangas, among others.

Earlier, the Department of Agriculture said it has recorded P1.1 billion worth of agriculture damage due to the effects of Rolly.

Secretary William Dar said around 20,000 farmers were affected by Rolly, which damaged rice, corn, and high-value crops.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways said the damage to infrastructure due to Rolly has so far reached P5.7 billion.

The amount, P5.756 billion, as of November 3, was the estimated cost of damage to roads, bridges, flood-control structures, and public buildings caused by the catastrophe.—AOL, GMA News