The United Arab Emirates is ramping up its relief effort in quake-hit Sarangani province, preparing to send more than 20,000 food parcels and an equal number of gallons of drinking water as communities recover from the June 8 earthquake. The expanded aid follows an earlier distribution of about 700 food parcels and 500 gallons of potable water to affected families, with the UAE ambassador to the Philippines present during the handover.
The relief effort comes as Sarangani and nearby areas continue to face major disruptions after the magnitude 7.8 quake struck offshore near Maasim, damaging roads and bridges and complicating the delivery of aid. The disaster also left many residents without water, electricity and internet service in some areas, while the death toll rose into the dozens in the days after the quake.
UAE response teams also visited several affected areas to assess conditions and identify urgent needs, a move meant to guide where assistance will have the biggest impact. Officials said the wider operation reflects the country’s humanitarian commitment to helping communities hit by disasters abroad.
The new shipment would significantly deepen the UAE’s role in the relief drive, which is expected to continue in phases as local authorities and responders work to reach isolated households.
