MANILA, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government has provided 100,000 U.S. dollars in immediate disaster relief assistance to thousands of families facing prolonged stays in evacuation centers in the vicinity of Mayon Volcano in Albay province.

    The U.S. Embassy in Manila said in a statement Wednesday the financial aid will come from the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

    The funds will support the purchase and distribution of food, shelter, water, and sanitation assistance for up to 47,000 beneficiaries.

    In coordination with the Philippine Government, the assistance is being delivered to the Philippine National Red Cross and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) by USAID.

    At least 47,500 residents living in the eight-kilometer danger zone were placed in evacuation centers in anticipation of a massive volcanic eruption.