ASEAN Sec-Gen Expresses Sympathy On the Philippine Flood

As we celebrate the ASEAN Day today, 8 August, we commemorate what brings us together as a regional community. And as a regional community, we also turn our concern towards the Philippines whose people are currently enduring the aftermath of a disastrous monsoon. We salute the efforts of the Government and other humanitarian actors to save thousands of lives as we convey our assurance that ASEAN stands ready to assist and provide emergency relief as soon as requested.

Report on Monday night said that half of metro Manila was flooded but I am pleased with recent news that the water level appears to be receding now. Health risks could surface, if no precautions are taken by affected communities. We hope the improvement in water level will continue until Philippine is fully recovered.

The Jakarta-based ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Centre or AHA Centre is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for some response options should there be a need or if the situation is getting worse. As the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator, I will continue to work closely with the AHA Centre to monitor the situation and initiate necessary actions.