21/12/2021 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission announced on 21 December the release of an initial €1.7 million in humanitarian aid for the victims of the category 5 typhoon Rai, which devastated the Philippines the previous day. It will enable the Commission’s humanitarian partners to provide food, clean water, shelter and essential household items, and to strengthen health services, including hygiene promotion. This is to limit the spread of water-borne diseases. In addition, cash grants will help those affected to support themselves during the period of displacement. “The EU stands by the Filipino people in these difficult times”, said Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič. This very powerful typhoon killed at least 375 people. More than 1.8 million people have been affected and nearly 600,000 displaced. (AN)