The European Union has allocated  €500,000 (over P30 million) in response to widespread flooding and landslides that left large parts of Mindanao steeped in water.

The aid will address the immediate needs of 12,000 people in some of the worst-hit, isolated areas in the southern region.  

“A series of unexpected heavy rainfall caused thousands of families in Mindanao to lose their homes, livelihoods and belongings,” said EU ambassador Luc Véron.

“The EU funding will support our humanitarian partners in delivering crucial assistance to the most vulnerable, ensuring they can cover their basic needs in this time of crisis.”

The assistance will help EU humanitarian partners already on the ground to deliver vital aid to those most in need.

The aid will focus on providing emergency food and livelihood support, as well as ensuring affected families have access to clean water, sanitation facilities and education. 

Weeks of incessant downpours that hit eastern parts of Mindanao caused large-scale flooding and landslides that left over 1.5 million people affected.

According to data released by the government on 19 February, the severe floods caused damage to some 1,700 homes, more than 700 of which were reduced to rubble, leaving over 200,000 people displaced.

In addition, some 25,000 hectares of agricultural lands and a number of infrastructure sustained extensive damage.

The floodwaters and the subsequent landslides have also rendered water from natural sources unsafe.