Canada and Germany on Sunday joined other nations in pledging support and aid for the Philippines following the devastation brought by severe Tropical Storm “Paeng”.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel tweeted the commitment of their governments to extend help to Filipinos recovers from the ravages of “Paeng”.
Trudeau said it was heartbreaking to see images of the Philippines a day after Paeng wrought havoc through most parts of Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), and Metro Manila.
“The images and reports coming from the Philippines following Tropical Storm Paeng break my heart,” wrote the Prime Minister, as retweeted by Canadian Ambassador to Manila Peter McArthur.
“To those who have lost loved ones, and to those who know someone who went missing or was injured: Canadians are keeping you in our thoughts. We stand ready to provide assistance,” Trudeau said.
Reiffenstuel also sent her country’s “thoughts and prayers” to the victims.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those badly affected by typhoon #Paeng. We will continue our efforts and projects to jointly address the impact of #climatechange in the Philippines (Philippine flag). #PaengPH #germanyinphl @GIZ_Philippines,” the envoy said.
Canadian and German leaders offered their assistance a day after Ambassadors MaryKay Carlson of the United States, Laure Beaufils of the United Kingdom, and Huang Xilian of China said they are monitoring the situation and stand ready to assist the country in responding to the devastation caused by Paeng.
The European Union also sent its condolences to the families of those who died because of the severe tropical storm.
“The #EUinthePhilippines condoles with the families of those who perished amidst typhoon Paeng. Our prayers and sympathy as we extend our solidarity with the Filipinos coping with the effects of the typhoon,” a tweet from the EU, as reposted by French Ambassador to Manila Michele Boccoz, said.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that Paeng left 48 dead in its wake, while 40 were injured, and 20 individuals were reported missing.
The deaths, injuries, and missing persons were reported in the Bicol region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Soccsksargen, and the BARMM.
The NDRRMC has recommended to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to put the country under a state of calamity.
It made this recommendation to the President following the disaster risk assessment that 16 out of the country’s 17 regions were at high risk for Paeng.
A state of calamity would enable the government to tap additional funds for disaster relief and impose a price freeze on basic commodities.