The United Nations (UN) has embarked on a humanitarian mission in the Philippines to mobilize aid for communities devastated by Typhoon “Rolly.”
In a statement, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez said the UN and its local humanitarian partners have started to work with concerned government agencies to provide relief assistance to typhoon-hit areas.
“We have not waited for the landfall of this typhoon to mobilize our humanitarian teams and take action,” he said ahead of Rolly’s onslaught.
“UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs are already working with relevant government departments and offices, Philippine Red Cross, and with private sector groups to coordinate our efforts to support the conduct of rapid needs assessments and swiftly assist the most vulnerable people caught in the typhoon’s destructive path,” he said.
The European Union and Canada also vowed to assist the Philippines in its recovery efforts toward its recovery following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Rolly (international name: Goni) on Sunday.
In a statement, the EU Delegation in Manila sent a solidarity message to the Filipino people, particularly those in the Bicol Region, the hardest-hit area.
“EU stands ready to assist in recovery efforts. The resiliency, strength, and courage of the Filipinos will persevere in these trying times,” it said in a statement.
The Canadian government on Monday said it is also concerned by the typhoon's impact on the Philippines and remains ready to extend humanitarian aid.
“Our humanitarian partners and experts continue to assess the situation and Flag of Canada stands ready to assist as appropriate,” it said.
According to the UN statement, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) continues to map humanitarian and development partners in affected areas to support impact assessments.
It also said the International Organization for Migration (IOM) would extend support to local authorities in the management of evacuation centers.
The World Food Program has also received a request for logistical support for the food distribution in calamity areas.
According to Gonzalez, no one must be left behind as the disaster response and relief operations are implemented.
“The people of the Philippines are incredibly resilient, but this is a very dangerous typhoon and I call on everyone to follow the guidance being given by the authorities,” he said.
The Bicol region and other parts of the country were battered by Rolly's heavy rains and winds Sunday.