WHO ready to aid Cebu quake victims

The World Health Organization (WHO) is ready to provide aid to the victims of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu Tuesday.

- By RHODINA VILLANUEVA

WHO Director Deneral Tedros Ghebreyesus yesterday said they sympathize with the Philippines, especially those affected by the powerful earthquake.

“My thoughts are with everyone in the Philippines, especially those who have lost loved ones in the earthquake,” Ghebreyesus said in a social media post. “WHO is ready to support the government to meet the health needs of the people affected.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Health welcomed the offer of the WHO to help Cebu during this very difficult time. DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said they would just need to coordinate on the assistance to be sent by the WHO as well as those coming from other international organizations.

“We were informed not only by the WHO but also by other foreign partners that, if needed, they are ready,” he said. “We are just avoiding for things to get out of hand if there are many people coming in at the same time. So we coordinate everything first and they will come in at a moment's notice.”

Lawmakers help

The House of Representatives has adopted a resolution expressing its sympathy to the victims of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu, but was silent on financial aid.