The United Nations has immediately dispatched its quick reaction groups to assess how their agencies can help the Philippine government in the assisting the victims of the Magnitude 7.0 quake that hit Luzon Wednesday morning.
“Few minutes after 7.0 intensity earthquake, we contacted #Philippines Office of Civil Defense, our Cluster Coordination Groups and started gathering information to see best way that @UNPhilippines and the Humanitarian Country Team can support. We keep you updated,” Gustavo González, UN resident coordinator and humanitarian coordinator in Manila tweeted.
The International Organization for Migration, a UN agency, said it is working with the Philippine government to support the emergency response efforts to Abra.
“IOM is deploying its surge team with DSWD as co-lead of Global Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster to conduct rapid assessment and respond to the needs of affected populations,” the IOM tweeted.
Meanwhile, members of the diplomatic community in Manila have expressed sympathies to Filipinos who are victims of the quake.
MaryKay Carlson of the US, Huang Xilian of China, Kazuhiko Koshikawa of Japan, Michele Boccoz of France and the European Union Delegation to the Philippines have issued separate statements on Twitter, showing their support to the quake victims especially in Abra.
“Sending my thoughts and prayers to those affected by the #EarthquakePH in Abra and nearby provinces. The U.S. extends our condolences to those who have lost loved ones,” Carlson said.
“On behalf of the Chinese Embassy, I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to the Philippine government and the Filipino people affected by this morning’s earthquake in Luzon. We are ready to extend helping hand to the Philippine side for disaster relief. I believe under the leadership of President Marcos Jr., the Filipino people will be able to overcome difficulties and resume normal life as soon as possible. Let us all stay safe,” Huang said.
“France stands by the Philippines as the country is badly struck by another natural disaster. All our thoughts go to the casualties and persons affected by the destruction wrought by the earthquake,” Boccoz tweeted.
Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa, who paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo Wednesday, said that Japan is “praying for the safety of everyone” especially the residents of Abra, and nearby provinces.
“Our thoughts are with the affected population by the #EarthquakePH notably in the Abra area,” the EU delegation tweeted.
Image credits: Harley Palangchao/AP