Australia offers aid for communities affected by Mayon eruption
In this January 23, 2018 photo, Mayon volcano spews red-hot lava in another eruption as seen from Legazpi city, Albay province, roughly 200 miles (340 kilometers) southeast of Manila, Philippines. Mayon has spewed fountains of red-hot lava and massive ash plumes anew in a dazzling but increasingly dangerous eruption that has sent 56,000 villagers fleeing to evacuation centers. AP/Bullit Marquez
MANILA, Philippines — The Australian government has pledged P31.6 million (Australian $775,000) worth of humanitarian support to individuals affected by the eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay.
Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop made the announcement on her ministry's website Wednesday.
The aid will include the provision of tarpaulins, sleeping mats, blankets, mosquito nets, jerry cans and hygiene supplies to 30,000 individuals.
The assistance will be provided through the Philippine Red Cross.
During the annual journalists reception hosted by Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely Tuesday, she said that Australia has always provided different types of support to the country in terms of natural disasters and defense cooperation.
“We have provided as we always do because we are a good friend of the Philippines. Unfortunately, there has been a spike of natural disasters in the last few months in which we provided humanitarian assistance to help the families evacuated and affected by flood and most recently with the Mayon eruption. That is continuous,” Gorely said.
READ: NDRRMC says there's enough aid for communities affected by Mayon's eruption
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that the government has already provided a total of P26.9 million worth of assistance to Albay evacuees.
NDRRMC assured the public that the government has sufficient funds to assist the communities affected by the Mayon eruption even up to three months.
At least 56,217 people were taking shelter in 46 evacuation camps Tuesday and army troops and police were helping move more villagers from their homes, officials said.
READ: 56K in evacuation centers as Mayon lava fountains continue
Alert Level 4, which means a hazardous eruption is imminent, is still up on Mayon. Phivolcs has five alert levels, with Level 5 indicating a hazardous eruption is already happening. — Video by Kat Leandicho with AFP
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