USAID Extends Helping Hand to "Ondoy" and "Pepeng" Victims

Tropical Storm Ketsana (Ondoy) struck the Philippines on September 26, 2009 followed by Typhoon Parma (Pepeng) on October 2. The Philippine government declared a state of calamity as more than 6.8 million people were affected. The storms left 648 dead, nearly 330,000 people displaced in shelters, and more than 127,400 houses damaged or destroyed.

On September 27, USAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) provided an initial $100,000 for emergency relief supplies through the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC). On October 2 and 13, in coordination with Philippine Government, two USAID/OFDA charter flights delivered emergency relief items, including plastic sheeting, soap, hygiene kits, and 10-liter collapsible water containers. PNRC and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) received these items for distribution to affected families.

In addition, USAID/OFDA is providing $4 million in grants to international and non-governmental organizations such as the World Food Program, American Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, World Vision, Catholic Relief Services and Save the Children to assist with the relief efforts.

Many displaced residents sought shelter in evacuation centers. U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney as well as representatives from the U.S. Military and USAID participated in the distribution of relief supplies and food to evacuees at the Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School in Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City and in the San Pedro Apostol Parish Church in Binan, Laguna. USAID health educators likewise complemented medical missions on October 5-7 that the U.S. and Philippine Militaries provided at three evacuation centers.

The U.S. Government continues to work with the Philippine Government, the donor community, international and non-governmental organizations to support those who were affected.

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• U.S. Agency for International Development/Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/DCHA) Philippines Tropical Storm Fact Sheet (November 03, 2009)



• U.S. Government (USG) Humanitarian Assistance to the Philippines Program Map (November 03, 2009)

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