On behalf of the U.S. Government, the United States Embassy Manila wishes to extend our deepest condolences for the loss of life and devastation caused by Typhoon Ruby (international name Hagupit).

The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Embassy Manila’s U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and the U.S. military, has contacted our counterparts in the Philippine government and is ready to provide assistance to the Philippine authorities at their request and under their guidance.

Assessment teams from both USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and the U.S. Military are available to augment the Embassy’s capabilities monitoring the storm’s impact and coordinating delivery of emergency assistance with government agencies and humanitarian organizations on the ground.

Since Typhoon Yolanda hit one year ago, the Embassy’s USAID has supported disaster risk reduction activities to help the Philippines prepare for such devastating disasters.  Thanks to effective planning and close coordination between the U.S. and Philippine Governments, the United States is already well positioned to lend a helping hand.