US adds $1.5M in PH disaster assistance after Uwan's wrath

The United States is providing an additional $1.5 million in emergency disaster assistance for victims of Super Typhoon Uwan and Typhoon Tino in the Philippines, bringing its recent total calamity aid to $2.5 million. 

In a statement on Saturday, the US Embassy in Manila said the life-saving assistance package includes support for logistics, emergency shelter, water, sanitation resources and the management of evacuation centers.

The added amount is equivalent to about P87 million, while the total aid amount translates to about P145 million, the statement read.

"In the immediate aftermath of Super Typhoon Fung-wong (Uwan), the United States continues to answer the call for assistance from one of our closest friends, partners, and allies, the Philippines... The United States continues to support Philippine-led efforts to save lives, alleviate suffering, and address urgent needs," the US embassy said.

"Our continued rapid response stands as a testament to the depth of the enduring ties between the United States and the Philippines, especially in times of crisis," it added. 

The announcement came two days after the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) said America's military has deployed various assets and personnel to the Philippines to support relief operations in Tino- and Uwan-affected areas.

Canada, Japan, New Zealand, China also provided assistance to the Philippines.

Last week, Washington said it is providing $1 million (about P58 million) to support the Philippine government's diaster relief operations for communites affected by Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) and recent earthquakes in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The Office of Civil Defense reported Tuesday that Tino left at least 232 people dead and 112 missing.

As for Uwan, disaster management officials said Wednesday the reported deaths stood at 27, while 36 persons were injured and two others were missing. Nearly 3.6 million individuals were affected by the super typhoon.

Meanwhile, a magnitude-6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu on September 30, devastating Bogo City and nearby areas. As of October 17, the government's reported death toll for the Cebu quake stood at 79, while injured individuals were logged at 559. — with a report from Michaela del Callar/ VDV, GMA Integrated News