US Navy official: Budget cuts won't affect US disaster-response aid

MANILA, Philippines — A US Navy official says military budget cuts are unlikely to affect America's ability to respond to major natural disasters and humanitarian crises in Asia, where it has led multinational drills to prepare for emergencies.

Asian allies including the Philippines have turned to Washington for help in dealing with a range of concerns, including territorial disputes with China, terrorism and calamities in one of the world's most disaster-prone regions.

Rear Adm. Kathleen Creighton said in response to reporters' questions in Manila on Tuesday that she does not see U.S. budget cuts "affecting our ability to respond to humanitarian disaster relief."

Creighton spoke on the sidelines of a US military-sponsored regional drill to improve communications among military and civilian responders during major natural disasters.