EU mobilises new support to the Philippines' reconstruction
EU Development Commissioner Piebalgs has announced €10 million of additional EU aid for the rehabilitation of Typhoon Haiyan-affected areas. The new funds come as a proof that the EU is looking at the fastest and most effective link between relief and rehabilitation to benefit the people on the ground within the shortest possible delay.
The announcement was made during his visit to the Philippines, which finishes today and has been altered by the devastating effects of the typhoon. After his discussions in Manila with Government officials and with humanitarian experts on the ground, Commissioner Piebalgs said: "Beyond humanitarian assistance, the EU is already making resources for rehabilitation and reconstruction available to ensure that there is a smooth transition from the crisis management to rebuilding people's lives. We would like to see no gap between the emergency relief and the longer-term actions, and we will work closely with the Government and other development partners for this to happen." Areas for intervention can include water and sanitation rehabilitation, power grid repairs, basic health, livelihood support, shelter and repair of infrastructure that should be more resilient to future typhoons or earthquakes.
For more information: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-1068_en.htm
