EUROPEAN COMMISSION
PRESS RELEASE
Brussels, 31 October 2013
Victims of earthquake in the Philippines to receive
humanitarian assistance from the EU
The European Commission is allocating €2.5 million in humanitarian assistance to the
worst-affected victims of the earthquake that shook the Philippines on 15 October.
This aid will provide shelter, water and sanitation and primary health care – all essential
priorities in the aftermath of the disaster that wiped out the homes and livelihoods of
around 350,000 people. The Commission's humanitarian aid will also support the
management of evacuations sites.
"A natural calamity has disrupted again the lives of millions in the Philippines. In the last
months strong typhoons devastated the North and Southern part of the archipelago, and
two weeks ago a major seismic upheaval hit its central islands. The European Commission
is ready to bring immediate relief and hope to those in need, with humanitarian assistance
focused on meeting their basic needs but also looking at enhancing their resilience," said
Kristalina Georgieva, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid
and Crisis Response. "It's one of world's most disaster-prone countries, but we can still
minimize the impact of current and future catastrophes by strengthening vulnerable
populations' capacities on preparedness and response."
The decision to extend support is based on the assessment of two humanitarian experts of
the European Commission who were deployed to the affected zone within hours of the
earthquake.
This is just the latest example of the significant humanitarian support provided by the
European Commission in the Philippines. In response to Typhoon Bopha (Pablo), €7 million
were made available in February to help rebuild the devastated communities, in addition
to the €3 million released just after the cyclone hit South-Eastern Mindanao. Following
flooding caused by Typhoon Trami (Maring), the Commission allocated €200 000 to help
the affected, and further €300 000 in early October to assist those displaced by the
conflict in Zamboanga.
IP/13/1015
Background
On 15 October 2013, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Region VII of the Philippines,
causing serious damage mostly in the islands of Bohol, Cebu and Siquijor. Over 200
people were killed, hundreds got injured and 3.1 million are affected. Thousands of
buildings and homes were destroyed, roads and bridges blocked or collapsed, power lines
cut and water supplies interrupted. Over 350,000 people have been displaced with 80 per
cent living in makeshift shelters outside their homes and in open public places (evacuation
centers). Bohol and Cebu government authorities declared a state of calamity.
The Government of the Philippines is leading the relief operation, primarily focused on
restoring roads, bridges, electricity and water systems, distributing food and water and
providing psycho-social support. Nevertheless, substantial needs remain on the ground
and on 21 October 2013 national authorities welcomed the United Nations' offer to
contribute to the emergency interventions.
For more information
The European Commission's humanitarian aid and civil protection:
http://ec.europa.eu/echo/index_en.htm
Commissioner Georgieva's website:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/georgieva/index_en.htm
Contacts :
Irina Novakova (+32 2 295 75 17)
David Sharrock (+32 2 296 89 09)
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