China extends P10-M aid for Batanes

FILE: Aerial photo shows the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake that hit Batanes recently. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas and a situation briefing with members of his cabinet and local government officials at the Basco Airport on July 28, 2019 to discuss disaster response measures in the aftermath of the earthquake. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — The Chinese Embassy in Manila is donating PHP10 million in humanitarian aid for quake-hit Batanes.

“The Chinese government expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to those affected families and decided to donate PHP10 million to aid the victims and support the Philippine government in its efforts to rebuild Batanes and help local residents return to normal life,” the Embassy said in a statement on Wednesday.

At least two earthquakes with magnitude 5.4 and 5.9 struck several areas in Batanes on July 27.

In its latest report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said at least 2,963 individuals were affected by the seismic events, a total of nine were killed and 64 were injured.

As of July 31, the NDRRMC also reported a total of PHP47 million worth of damages following the series of earthquakes.

“The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Philippines believes that, under the strong leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the government of the Philippines, the Philippine people will overcome the disaster and rebuild their homeland as soon as possible,” the Chinese Embassy said.

Earlier, China also donated USD100,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance to the Philippines following the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that hit Pampanga on April 22.