US gives Php4.4-M assistance for families near Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano (Wikipedia photo)

MANILA — The US government has provided Php 4.4 million to assist displaced families affected by the looming eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay province.

In a statement on Wednesday, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg said: “The United States stands ready to help families cope with the challenges posed by the temporary displacement.”

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) placed Mayon Volcano under Alert Level 3, which prompted the Provincial Government of Albay to evacuate more than 12,000 families living within the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide emergency sanitation, hygiene and non-food items to families seeking temporary refuge in evacuation centers located in the municipalities of Guinobatan, Camalig and Daraga.

The humanitarian assistance, which will be distributed by World Vision for USAID, will focus on improving access to safe drinking water, functioning latrines, and temporary classrooms.

“The U.S. government will continue to monitor the Mayon situation and work with Philippine authorities to help the affected families,” Goldberg said, adding that United States “is always ready to lend a hand to the Philippines, especially during times of disaster.”

U.S. government disaster-assistance funding over the last 10 years amounts to Php8.1 billion.

Apart from disaster relief, it also supports the Philippines in strengthening the capacity of communities to mitigate, prepare for and respond to natural disasters and the effects of climate change.