ADB President Offers Condolences and Assistance to Philippine Flood Victims

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In the wake of a tropical storm that flooded vast areas of the Northern Philippines over the weekend and forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands, Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda has expressed his deepest sympathies and condolences to the government and people of the Philippines, particularly families who have lost their loved ones.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives, suffering and damage caused by floods as a result of the heavy rains that have suddenly and relentlessly hit Manila and nearby provinces over the past weekend," said Mr. Kuroda. "On behalf of the Asian Development Bank, I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to the Government and the families and relatives of the victims."

The ADB President said that ADB stands ready to provide any needed assistance to the government of the Philippines. "We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to assist," Mr. Kuroda said.

ADB is currently in discussions with the Government regarding potential assistance, and has notified the Government about its emergency facility -- the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund – which can provide quick disbursing grants to cover the immediate costs of restoring essential life-saving services following a disaster.

ADB is in contact with the United Nations to ensure its efforts are coordinated with those of the international community and other development partners.

The flooding in Manila is reportedly the worst to have affected the city in 40 years, with meteorologists stating that the city had received the equivalent of one month's precipitation in 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Ondoy (international code name Ketsana) struck Luzon Island on Saturday, 26 September, including the country's capital of Manila, causing severe flooding in many areas, with floodwaters covering roads and many homes. The Government has declared a 'state of calamity' in Metro Manila and at least 25 provinces in Luzon. At least 435,000 people were forced to leave their homes and seek shelter in evacuation centers with at least 144 fatalities reported.

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