4 Ways USAID is Supporting the Philippines’ Taal Volcano Response
The Philippines’ Taal Volcano, which began erupting on January 12, 2020, has affected more than 300,000 people, damaged homes and roadways, and temporarily interrupted power and water supplies in communities as far as 40 miles away. More than 144,000 people in surrounding areas have evacuated to emergency shelters as the eruption continues.
Here are 4 ways that USAID is supporting the Government of the Philippines’ response to the powerful eruption of one of the country’s most active volcanoes.
1. Providing Immediate Humanitarian Assistance
USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance is providing an initial $100,000 to support the Government of the Philippines’ humanitarian response for the Taal Volcano eruption.
With this assistance, USAID is partnering with World Vision to provide emergency relief supplies — including sleeping mats, blankets, and hygiene items such as soap and toothbrushes — to people who have evacuated their homes due to the ongoing eruption.
2. Supporting Philippine-Led Response Operations
Because the Philippines is prone to natural disasters, USAID works year-round to help communities prepare for and be more resilient to them. Many of our disaster preparedness partners are now supporting the Government of the Philippines’ response. Our partner WFP Philippines is providing logistical support to help emergency authorities transport relief supplies — including food and shelter materials — to families affected by the eruption, and IOM - UN Migration is providing training and technical assistance at 20 of the largest emergency shelters receiving evacuees.
3. Harnessing Private Sector Donations
USAID partner the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) has activated its emergency operations center in Manila, where it is coordinating donations and offers of assistance from local, multinational, and U.S. companies such as Coca-Cola and the United Parcel Service (UPS). USAID supports PDRF year-round to work with the private sector to develop disaster plans and educate companies on how they can best support disaster responses. Since the Taal eruption began, they have helped coordinate donations from more than 30 companies to provide water, charging stations, phone credits, fuel, generators, and other critical assistance.
4. Providing volcano monitoring equipment and technical assistance
The United States is also providing equipment and remote technical support to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) through the USAID-supported and USGS-implemented Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (VDAP).
VDAP has loaned an infrared camera to PHIVOLCS to help monitor hot areas of the volcano from safe distances using visual and thermal imaging. It is also providing remote analytic support, including through the use of satellite imagery, as needed.
The United States stands by everyone affected by this disaster, and will continue our work to save lives, alleviate suffering, and help people recover.
