By Roy Mabasa The European Union (EU) on Tuesday announced its allocation of about P9.2 million (150,000 euro) for humanitarian and emergency assistance to affected communities, following the widespread flooding triggered by incessant monsoon rains that hit the country last month. FILE PHOTO: European Union logo (Manila Bulletin) In a statement, the EU said the funding will support the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in delivering relief assistance through the distribution of essential relief items including food, safe water, emergency shelter kits, mosquito nets, blankets, hygiene kits, and jerry cans. It said the aid would directly help 30,000 people in the worst-hit localities The EU added that cash grants are also being delivered to targeted communities to ensure the most vulnerable families can meet their basic needs and restore their livelihoods. As outbreaks of water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases such as leptospirosis, dengue and diarrhea are common following flooding, disease prevention and hygiene promotion activities are being provided. The funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). On July 17 to 21, the country experienced three weather disturbances triggering heavy rains, landslides, and floods in at least 28 provinces across the nation. Philippine authorities said that as of August 6, the flooding has left nearly 400,000 people displaced, and almost 10,000 are still living in evacuation centers. It has also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, farmlands and livestock, hampering the ability of the affected populations to access essential services whilst also disrupting their livelihoods. Humanitarian experts from the EU's Civil Protection and Humanitarian Operations department (ECHO) are closely monitoring the situation as more rains are expected in the country during the annual monsoon season which is expected to last until September.