Typhoon Haiyan - HADR response on various military

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Sailors assigned to the Saberhawks of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 remove equipment from an MH-60R Seahawk aboard the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) to make room for transport of cargo and personnel in preparation for "Operation Damayan". The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is en route to the Republic of the Philippines to support “Operation Damayan”, the humanitarian efforts in response to Typhoon Haiyan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas/Released)

Hagel sends US troops into Philippines to help with post-typhoon humanitarian efforts

10 Nov 2013 -- Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on Sunday directed the U.S. Pacific Command to support American humanitarian relief efforts in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. Col. Brad Bartelt, a Marine Corps spokesman, said the U.S. military was called in at the request of the Philippines government.

Haiyan struck the island nation Friday, impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The death toll has reached 1,000 but the number is projected to climb to 10,000.

Philippine officials say they will have a better idea about fatalities and damage in the coming days as transportation and communications systems are repaired. A team of Marines was on the ground Saturday making early assessments and was led by* Brigadier Gen. Paul Kennedy. Bartelt said the initial focus of the U.S. effort will be air and sea search-and-rescue, helicopter and aircraft lift support and helping with logistics.

Officials said the U.S. government has since 1990 responded to more than 40 disasters in the Philippines at the request of that country's government, ranging from volcanic eruptions and drought to population displacement. The U.S. effort is expected to include at least 90 Marines and sailors as well as a cargo planes and helicopters...

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U.S. Marines prepare to unload a pallet of Meals Ready to Eat at Villamor Air Base, Nov. 10. The U.S. Marines, from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, came at the request of the Philippine government and will be working closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to provide disaster relief to those affected by Typhoon Haiyan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Joshua Diddams/Released)

11 Nov 2013 -- Philippines prepared for Haiyan, but evacuation sites no match for typhoon

...The Philippines, which sees about 20 typhoons per year, is cursed by its geography. On a string of some 7,000 islands, there are only so many places to evacuate people to, unless they can be flown or ferried to the mainland. The Philippines' disaster preparation and relief capacities are also hampered by political factors. It lacks a strong central government and provincial governors have virtual autonomy in dealing with local problems.

Contrast this with Vietnam, which sees about a dozen typhoons per year and is similarly poor and densely populated. But a centralized, Communist Party-led government broadcasts clear messages that cannot be ignored by the provinces. Also, because of a clearly defined land mass, unlike the archipelago of the Philippines, it is easy to evacuate people deep inland and to higher ground.

"This is not the time to judge," said Alemendras, the presidential aide. "The national government and the local government all need to work together not to criticize anyone or not to show that one is better than the other."
...

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Chief Warrant Officer Allen T. Leiper uses cargo nets to secure palletized equipment Nov. 11 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The equipment was later loaded onto a KC-130J Hercules aircraft to be used during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Philippines in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan. The typhoon has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government's national disaster risk reduction and management council. Leiper is an embarkation officer with III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey/Released)

A Philippine Air Force airman guides an MV-22B Osprey at Vilamor Air Base, Manila, Republic of the Philippines Nov. 11. Four Ospreys, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 and three KC-130J Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, both part of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, departed Marine Corps Air Station Futenma throughout the early afternoon.

Members of the U.S. military and Armed Forces of the Philippines carry an injured Filipino onto a KC-130J Super Hercules at Tacloban Air Base, Republic of the Philippines Nov. 11. Four Ospreys, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 and three KC-130J Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, both part of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, arrived in the Philippines to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines in conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps. Photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen D. Himes/Released)

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfkYYPSiHv4"]The "miserable" situation in Tacloban, Philippines - YouTube[/nomedia]

Above, Nov 12, 2013 -- Typhoon relief is hitting major obstacles, as CNN's Anderson Cooper reports. “It is a very desperate situation, among the most desperate I’ve seen in covering disasters over the last couple of years," Cooper said. BBC's reporting offers another perspective on the issue: Typhoon Haiyan: Philippines defends aid response

CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines (Nov. 11, 2013) Two U.S. Navy P-3 Orion aircraft from Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 prepare for a search and rescue mission in the Republic of the Philippines in support of humanitarian assistance efforts after Typhoon Haiyan. (U.S. Navy photo/Released).

US sends amphibious ships to Philippines

13 Nov 2013 -- WASHINGTON, DC, USA - The US military has ordered two amphibious ships to the Philippines to help victims of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan and a third was poised to deploy, officials said Tuesday, November 12. The move will ferry hundreds of US Marines to the storm-ravaged country as well as vehicles able to operate in flooded, debris strewn areas, officials said.

The US State Department has meanwhile confirmed two American fatalities from the storm which is feared to have claimed as many as 10,000 lives. The USS Germantown and USS Ashland, amphibious warfare vessels designed to transport and launch landing craft and vehicles, have been ordered to depart for the Philippines from the southern Japanese port of Sasebo, said a Navy official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "The ships will get under way from Sasebo shortly," the Navy official told AFP.

Another vessel, the USS Denver, an amphibious transport dock ship, had been placed on standby to prepare to deploy as well, officials said.

All three have landing decks that can serve helicopters as well as medical facilities and the capability to produce desalinated water. The US military often employs its versatile amphibious ships for disaster relief efforts. General Paul Kennedy, who is leading a contingent of Marines that has arrived in the Philippines, requested the amphibious ships, a senior Marine Corps official told reporters.

The general has also asked for Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, which can land like a helicopter and fly like an airplane, and amphibious assault vehicles that could be used where roads are blocked by debris, said the official, who asked not to be named. "We're not ruling in or out any capability that may be required to support our Philippine allies as they sort out this very terrible situation," Pentagon spokesman George Little told a news conference, saying no final order has been issued for more ships.

The American military has a team of 243 Marines on the ground in hard-hit Tacloban on Leyte island to carry out an initial assessment of humanitarian needs. The US military presence "will be growing every day," said the Marine Corps official, adding that it will likely expand to about 1,500 to 2,000 troops in coming days. Washington had already ordered urgent emergency efforts in response to the massive typhoon, which has destroyed entire coastal communities...

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PHILIPPINE ARMY servicemembers stand alongside a pallet of bottled water as they prepare to board a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J to support victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan at Villamor Air Base, Manila, Republic of the Philippines Nov. 11. The damage from the 150 mile-per-hour winds of Haiyan has displaced hundreds of thousands of Filipinos. (U.S. Marine Corps. Photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen D. Himes/Released)

U.S. Pacific Command is responsible for conducting this Philippines humanitarian assistance under Operation Damayan. See here for more pictures and USaid has a Factsheet#2 dated 12 November 2013.

 

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SAF Sends Humanitarian Relief Supplies to the Philippines

To assist those affected by Typhoon Haiyan, the Singapore Armed Forces sent S$120,000 worth of relief supplies, which includes tents, groundsheets, medical supplies, and blankets, to the Philippines. These supplies are being transported by C-130 aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force over two tranches. The first tranche of supplies was handed over by Singapore’s Defence Attaché to the Philippines, Colonel Luis Phay, to Assistant Secretary of the Philippines Department of Social Welfare and Development, Camilo G. Gudmalin in Tacloban this morning. The C-130 aircraft also evacuated civilians from Tacloban to Manila before returning to Singapore.

SAF personnel unloading relief supplies from an RSAF C-130 aircraft at Tacloban.

These relief supplies are in addition to the S$200,000 contribution from the Singapore Government through the Singapore Red Cross to support the relief efforts in the Philippines.

SINGAPORE RED CROSS LAUNCHES PUBLIC APPEAL and hotlines for typhoon haiyan relief

11 November 2013 – The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has launched a dedicated fundraising appeal to receive donations for Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts, and hotlines for ‘Restoring Family Links’ service to assist Singaporeans and Filipinos in locating their family members who may have been affected by the disaster and with whom they have difficulty contacting. To facilitate public donations, it will extend its opening hours to 9am–7pm (Mon-Fri) 9am–12pm (Sat-Sun) with effect from tomorrow.

The Singapore Government is contributing an additional S$150,000 through the Singapore Red Cross to kickstart the public appeal. This is on top of the S$50,000 committed yesterday, which brings the total Singapore Government contribution to S$200,000.

The Singapore Red Cross has of yesterday committed as its first tranche of humanitarian aid, emergency relief supplies worth S$100,000 for the survivors’ immediate needs. A team of SRC volunteers and staff will leave for the affected areas at Visayas on Thursday to help with the distribution of relief items. SRC is working closely with the Philippine Red Cross to despatch medical teams to the affected areas in the coming weeks...

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The Singapore Red Cross is doing all it can to help the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan (by consistently deploying small medical teams to provide relief in the Philippines) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force had dispatched a team to Tacloban City to assist the UN Officer for the Coordination of Humanitarian Activities in the rescue efforts.

Civilians being evacuated from Tacloban to Manila by an RSAF C-130 aircraft.

By way of background, the SAF has provided aid to the Philippines in the past. In July 1990, a massive earthquake that struck Baguio, Luzon Island, in the Philippines. A 28-man SAF medical team was deployed by C-130 and their mission lasted from 19 July to 2 August 1990. This small SAF medical team treated visited all of the major villages surrounding Baguio and had treated a total of 5,500 patients. Yet, by 1996, the Anoa-Singa bilateral exercises were suspended by the Philippines because of their local politics over a law and order issue within the borders of Singapore; and the military-military ties between the parties have not be restored to the same level (i.e. to pre-1996 levels at the insistence of the Philippine Government at that time). Given the limited military-military ties, there is limited scope for the SAF to be further involved in relief operations unless it is at the direct request of the current Philippine administration under President Aquino III. Despite this fact, the Singapore Government has consistently reached out to the people of Philippines through long term initiatives, such as, the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), a technical cooperation programme for the Philippines. More than 2,100 Filipinos have gone for training courses under the SCP in a wide range of fields.

According to Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Philippines and Singapore enjoy a warm bilateral relationship, and both countries have worked well in various regional and multilateral fora. As members of ASEAN, Singapore and the Philippines have good cooperation in advancing ASEAN’s interests. Economic links between Singapore and the Philippines are strong. In the area of technical cooperation, the Philippines is among the top 10 recipient countries under the SCP.

 

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Relief Aid to the Victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan (12 Nov 2013)

Super Typhoon Haiyan made landfall on the central islands of Philippines on 8 Nov 2013. Several provinces were affected by the typhoon, and Tacloban City was one of the worst hit areas.

A senior United Nations humanitarian official reported that nearly 10 million people in the Philippines have been affected and up to 45,000 families are displaced. The SAF is mounting humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts to provide relief supplies.

The RSAF was ready and responded to provide assistance for the relief efforts, preparing the relief supplies to transport it to Tacloban, Philippines.

A RSAF airman working into the night and sweating for a good course.

 

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A humanitarian mission from Kelab Putra 1Malaysia and the Malaysian army loads food and medicine to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan at the RMAF base in Subang. — Picture by Arif Kartono.

13 Nov 2013 -- PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is sending RM3.2mil (US$1mil) to help with relief efforts after parts of the Philippines were devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan, said Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainudin. He said the cash aid was approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at a meeting with the Foreign Ministry and related agencies, including the National Security Council. Apart from the cash aid, Malaysia is also donating essential items such as food and medicines worth RM1mil through the 1Malaysia Putera Club (KP1M), he told a news conference after seeing a relief airlift left for the Philippines at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) airbase, Subang.

C-130 cargo plane on mercy mission has to give way to small plane of VIPs

16 Nov 2013 -- TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines— A C-130 Hercules of the Malaysian Air Force carrying tons of relief goods for survivors of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) was ready to land at the airport here on Thursday but was told to fly to the Mactan airport in Cebu to give way to a small private plane carrying eight VIPs.

Eight days after Yolanda’s high winds and a surge of ocean water laid waste to the entire city and left its population prostrate, aid missions to the shattered province of Leyte and neigboring areas are hounded by matters like this and other logistical problems. Citing the limited capacity of the airport, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to prioritize big planes bringing relief items over smaller private planes to prevent delays in the distribution of aid already long delayed. He also directed CAAP area manager Efren Nagrama to make sure that all relief flights are able to land in Tacloban after learning that the Malaysian C-130 was turned away to accommodate a chartered Beechcraft King Air.

“There are relief flights which were not allowed to land because of the air traffic,” Roxas told Nagrama during the daily meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council at the sports complex here. He noted that Tacloban airport’s apron, which barely survived the storm surge and powerful winds of the typhoon, can accommodate only three planes at a time. “You have a King Air carrying eight persons and a C130 carrying tons of relief items. Which one would you let in first? Unfortunately, the C130 had to return to Cebu,” Roxas said. “Whoever executive was on that King Air flight, you should have ordered him to go to Cebu and wait for clearance to return.”

Roxas said he was not told who were the passengers of the chartered flight, but he surmised they could be leaders of a private volunteer organization. While the government was thankful for the private group’s help in gathering support for the survivors, he said private flights should not hamper the delivery of aid. He also noted that a group of foreign health workers had been stuck at the airport since Thursday waiting for medical equipment to be flown in.

“We need to prioritize flights which are directly involved in the relief operations,” Roxas said. “We should make sure that before a flight leaves Cebu (or Manila), they will be able to land in Tacloban and will not waste fuel going around.” Nagrama said some 30 C-130 planes from various countries have landed at the airport since the government rolled out a massive relief distribution days after Yolanda battered the city and much of the Visayas and Palawan. He said CAAP had also allowed Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines to have four commercial flights each from Cebu daily. “We’ve been actually prioritizing medical evacuation and relief operations. From now on, the arrival of private planes will be under strict limitations,” Nagrama said. He said CAAP has already opened the airports in Guiuan and Borongan in Eastern Samar and in Catbalogan City in Samar province to accommodate C-130 transports and military helicopters.

In Borongan, Roxas was surprised on seeing three truckloads of relief items outside the capitol grounds waiting to be distributed when he visited the Eastern Samar capital on Friday. “Our trucks have run out of gas. As much as we want to bring the relief goods to the typhoon victims, we can’t buy fuel anywhere,” said Eastern Samar Governor Conrado Nicart Jr.

Meanwhile, four gas stations reopened on Saturday. Police were deployed to secure three gas stations of Petron and one of Caltex. Director Alex Paul Monteagudo, operations chief of the Philippine National Police, said the policemen were also tasked to ensure the orderly lines of people who want to buy fuel. Leyte Governor Dominic Petilla had earlier suggested to Roxas a government takeover of the gas stations to prevent overpricing...

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On the delay in despatching the aid, he said RMAF aircraft were not granted permission to land in the devastated areas earlier. He said 20 Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) members would also be sent to get a firsthand look at the disaster. KP1M president Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim said the KP1M 38-member delegation comprising volunteers, medics and journalists would work alongside RMAF personnel in the typhoon-ravaged areas dubbed ground zero. "The relief aid airlifted today could cater for about 7,000 families for a month while another consignment to be flown tomorrow could help 10,000 more families. "I hope we will be able to help between 20,000 and 25,000 families during this mission. A temporary medical tent will be pitched in the disaster to dish out medicines," he added. A RMAF Charlie C130 aircraft carrying 14 tons of food, medicines, clothing, tents and infant nutrition products left the RMAF airbase for Tacloban, the Philippines at 8.36am while another aircraft flying relief team members departed at 9am.

The third Royal Malaysian Air Force C-130 aircraft will depart for Tacloban, Philippines on 15 November 2013 carrying armed forces medical team, SMART and medicines, while the fourth and fifth flights on 15 and 16 November respectively will ferry field hospital equipment.

In this file photo, an MH-60R Seahawk from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 takes off from the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73) in the South China Sea, Oct. 22. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Peter Burghart).

13 Nov 2013 -- The Navy ships have arrived in the Philippines to render aid, a Navy official confirmed. “[The destroyers] Lassen and Mustin are on station and awaiting orders from the Marines,” said Pacific Fleet spokesman Cmdr. Steven Curry. Also on-scene is the submarine tender Emory S. Land and from Military Sealift Command, the survey ship Bowditch, which Curry said is “conducting survey operations in Leyte Gulf and San Pedro Bay to ensure there are no underwater obstacles and hazards to navigation.”

The aircraft carrier George Washington and cruisers Cowpens and Antietam should arrive in the next 24 hours, another Navy official said. The amphibious dock landing ships Germantown and Ashland have yet to depart Sasebo, Japan, but are scheduled to do so soon. The sailors will pick up supplies and Marines on Okinawa before continuing to the typhoon-ravaged country.

Children pull sacks of goods they recovered from abandoned stores as they go past the rubble of houses in Tacloban city. Photo by EPA/Dennis Sabangan

13 Nov 2013 -- MANILA, Philippines – Eight people were crushed to death as a huge crowd of typhoon survivors stormed a rice warehouse near the devastated city of Tacloban, a Philippine official said Wednesday, November 13. "One wall of our warehouses collapsed and 8 people were crushed and killed instantly," on Tuesday, November 12, Rex Estoperez, spokesman for the National Food Authority, the government's rice trading agency said. Police and soldiers were guarding the warehouse in Alangalang town, 17 km (10 miles) from Tacloban, but were overpowered by the crowd, who carted off more than 100,000 bags of rice, Estoperez added. "There must have been so many people to carry away so many bags of rice," he said, adding that each bag weighed 50 kilograms. "Our staff were there but they could not do anything without risking their safety."

IMHO, there are many things that cannot be explained. For example, in the above news report, the Philippine Government has rice stock piles in affected areas but they are not giving it out. This results in a mob storming the warehouse to steal food.

h/t to jxv and zuilon2000 for Taiwanese aid pictures and video.

Nov. 11 -- In a rare move, the Philippine government used its Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to mention Taiwan as offering financial aid and relief supplies to help deal with the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan. As of 3:40 p.m., "22 countries, plus the European Union and Taiwan," have offered humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the Philippines, said Raul Hernandez, a DFA spokesman.

Nov. 13 -- President Ma Ying-jeou said that he is following the situation in the Philippines closely and may increase Taiwan's aid to the neighboring country depending on the needs of the typhoon-ravaged areas. "We certainly have to extend a helping hand when friends are in urgent need," the president said.

Loading operations on ROC's C-130s on 11 Nov 2013 - YouTube

In this file photo, USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) sits off the coast of Samar, Philippines, during U.S. Pacific Fleet's annual Pacific Partnership disaster preparedness response mission in July 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Feddersen)

13 Nov 2013 -- PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, directed the activation of the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) Nov. 13 to be ready to support ongoing disaster relief efforts in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. Berthed in San Diego, USNS Mercy has been in a reduced operating status, which is normal for a hospital ship. Harris' activation order accelerates Mercy's ability to attain full operating status to include moving necessary personnel and equipment to the ship. If ordered to deploy, Mercy would get underway in the next several days and could arrive in the Philippines sometime in December, joining other U.S. Pacific Fleet units already supporting Operation Damayan.

A repacking station at the Philippine Air Force gymnasium at a Philippine Air Base

 

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Defense Minister Onodera visiting the Republic of Philippines (June 26 to 27, 2013)

14 Nov 2013 — Japan is ready to send as many as 1,000 troops to the typhoon-ravaged Philippines to help with relief efforts, a defence ministry spokesman said Wednesday. The comments came a day after Tokyo dispatched 50 members of its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to assist in medical support and transport operations following Manila’s request for assistance. Three naval ships and an unspecified number of aircraft would accompany the proposed contingent, Jiji Press news agency reported. “We will continue consulting with the Philippine government about the size of the deployment it may need,” the defense ministry official said. Their work would be focused on the devastated city of Tacloban, after one of the biggest storms in recorded history demolished entire communities across the central part of the island nation.

Expert IDF Team Brings Israeli Aid to Devastated Region

IDF soldiers boarding the plane to travel 6,000 miles to help the people of the Philippines.

Israel in Tacloban - YouTube

IDF's Rescue Mission to the Philippines: First Day Recap - YouTube

A 148 member delegation is left for the Philippines on November 13, 2013, in order to provide search, rescue, and medical services in the Typhoon-struck city of Tacloban, capital of the Leyte Province.

An advanced multi-department medical facility, equipped with approximately 100 tons of humanitarian and medical supplies from Israel, will be rapidly established in the city of Tacloban to provide medical care for disaster casualties. The facility will be constructed of a children’s department, a women’s department, an ambulatory care department, and a general admission department, operated by IDF doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, mental health professionals, x-ray technician, and lab workers.

The delegation comprises of officials in the National Search and Rescue Unit of the Home Front Command headed by the unit commander, Colonel Ramtin Sabti, as well as senior doctors in the IDF Medical Corps, headed by the Vice Surgeon General of the IDF Medical Corps, Colonel Doctor Dudu Dagan.

On Monday, November 11, 2013, a lead expedition of five search, rescue, and medical experts arrived in Tacloban, Philippines and formed a situation assessment determining the urgency for a rapid IDF response. Based on this assessment the of the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benjamin (Benny) Gantz, order to deploy a large-scale delegation to the disaster zone.

Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, IDF Spokesman: “The Home Front Command has soldiers and officers who excel in the fields of search and rescue and highly professional medical doctors experienced in such complex missions. Over the years they have been to Japan, Haiti, Ghana, Bulgaria, and Turkey, where they diligently donated from their resources and knowledge to those in need.”

Soldiers preparing the approximately 100 tons of humanitarian and medical supplies bound for the Philippines.

The IDF National Search and Rescue Unit, founded in 1983, is a highly skilled force trained to execute special search and rescue missions, both in Israel and abroad. The unit consists primarily of reservists who are always on call, with prepared kits to enable immediate departure, and a small core of soldiers in mandatory service. In addition to the rescue teams, the unit employs doctors, engineers, mechanical engineering equipment operators and rescue dog handlers...
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IDF personnel planning the field hospital while waiting for boarding.

MANILA, Philippines (Nov. 12, 2013) - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Xavier L. Cannon and members of the Philippine Armed Forces help civilians displaced by Typhoon Haiyan disembark a C-130 aircraft at Villamor Air Base. U.S. service members are assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines as they perform recovery efforts for the people affected in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anne K. Henry)

RAPPLER.COM maintains a list of aid, donations from international community.

 

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The Yolanda link doesnt mention the RNZAF C-130 which left this morning

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules loaded with relief supplies is on its way to typhoon-hit regions of the Philippines.

It departed this morning for Whenuapai, and is now heading for Manila. The aircraft will remain in the country for four or five days.

 

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Three C-130 planes from the Indonesian Government loaded with relief goods have also landed at the Mactan Benito Ebuen Airbase on Thursday November 14. Governor Hilario Davide III formally received the goods from the Indonesian Government represented by Yohanes Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo, Indonesian Ambassador — at Mactan Benito Ebuen Airbase.

Indonesian Air Force (TNI–AU) C-130H aircrews together with PAF Pilots In Roxas City delivering much needed relief goods.

The Yolanda link doesnt mention the RNZAF C-130 which left this morning

Thanks for the update. Please feel free to post related pictures and other information in this Typhoon Haiyan thread. The link to more pictures of the RNZAF C-130 on the way to deliver aid can be found, here.

New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key sent a C-130H to help in local and international relief efforts in the Philippines. Mr Key said he has ordered Hercules to remain in central Philippines for at least four to five days as needed to provide logistics support for relief efforts. New Zealand will also donate NZ$2.3 million to the Philippine Red Cross to boost its supplies in preparation for the future. Mr Key said the Philippines is like New Zealand. Both are vulnerable to natural disaster in the Pacific. He recommends pre-positioning disaster relief supplies in different parts in the country, which means relief goods can reach those who are affected without delay. New Zealand's initiative with the Philippine Red Cross is on top of the NZ$2.15 million previously donated by the country in response to the clamour for aid.

Sgt Matt Roberts and Cpl Dave Cresswell and the team from Airmovements load relief supplies on to an RNZAF C-130 Hercules at Base Whenuapai bound for the Philippines as part of New Zealand’s contribution to the humanitarian aid relief efforts in the wake of Cyclone Haiyan that devastated parts of the Philippines.

Sgt Matt Roberts guides a forklift of relief supplies onto an RNZAF C-130 Hercules at Base Whenuapai bound for the Philippines as part of New Zealand’s contribution to the humanitarian aid relief efforts in the wake of Cyclone Haiyan that devastated parts of the Philippines.

Canada to deploy 2nd plane to aid typhoon-hit Philippines

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) are on their way to Iloilo, Philippines onboard a Royal Canadian Air Force Globemaster aircraft during Operation RENAISSANCE.

13 Nov 2013 -- National Defence Minister Rob Nicholson says Canada will deploy a second military transport plane on Wednesday as part of Canada’s aid contribution to the typhoon-hit Philippines. "We will also be deploying a second C-17 Globemaster from 8 Wing Trenton to begin moving additional personnel and equipment to the affected region," Nicholson said in Ottawa. Prime Minister Stephen Harper confirmed in a Twitter post Wednesday evening that Canada's military Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) had landed in the city of Iloilo in the Philippines. "Canada's DART is wheels down ILOILO, PH w/ lifesaving personnel & equipment. We're making a difference for those most affected by #Haiyan," the prime minister said on Twitter.

Harper visited the Philippine embassy in Ottawa Wednesday morning where he signed a book of condolences on behalf of all Canadians and offered his personal assurances to the Philippine ambassador. "I will be keeping in touch with my officials regularly to make sure that our programs of assistance, both our matching funds and programs on the ground, are rolling out," Harper said. The advance team — which includes 17 Canadian Forces personnel and about a dozen civilians, mainly from the Department of Foreign Affairs — is working with other partners in the area to provide much-needed aid. The Canadian Forces C-17 that left CFB Trenton on Monday was carrying 43 members of the DART, along with their equipment, which included ambulances, a forklift, a communications truck, as well as a fully supplied medical team.

A Traffric Technician backs up a truck containing a reverse osmosis water purification unit onto a Royal Canadian Airf Force Globemaster airplane that will also carry members of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to the Philippine Islands that were ravaged by Typhoon Haiyan, at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario on November 15, 2013.

14 Nov 2013 -- The Australian Government will provide a further $20 million and deploy additional Australian Defence Force logistic support to help the Philippines to respond to Typhoon Haiyan, bringing total Australian assistance to over A$30 million. Two Royal Australian Air Force aircraft, a C-17A Globemaster and a C-130J Hercules, have already deployed to the Philippines to assist the relief effort. Both arrived in the Philippines overnight, transporting Australian doctors, nurses, paramedics, other medical specialists, and ADF logistic support staff. The C-130J will transfer the medical personnel and equipment from Cebu to Tacloban. Defence has assigned an additional RAAF C-130J Hercules and stands ready to deploy a second C-17A Globemaster if required. HMAS Tobruk has been diverted from her current tasking to be available to support the relief and recovery effort if requested by the Government of the Philippines. HMAS Tobruk is ideally suited to assist given her amphibious heavy lift capability, on board accommodation and ability to support helicopter and landing craft operations.

 

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RSAF Sends 2nd Tranche of Aid to the Philippines (14 Nov 2013)

14 Nov 2013 -- A second Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 aircraft arrived in Cebu, Philippines, this afternoon to deliver the relief supplies including tents, groundsheets, medical supplies, and blankets. This is the second tranche of S$120,000 worth of relief supplies which the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has sent to assist those affected by Typhoon Haiyan. The first tranche of supplies was sent to Tacloban, Philippines yesterday.

In response to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) request, the SAF will be extending the deployment of the second C-130 aircraft to the Philippines to support the AFP's ongoing relief efforts.

ASEAN Response to Haiyan: In an interview on 14 November 2013 by BBC's Rico Hizon, ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh informed the viewers that ASEAN deployed a team on the ground before the super typhoon hit the Philippines to set up communication back-up system and coordinate response with relevant government agencies. Through the AHA Centre (www.ahacentre.org), ASEAN is also sending regular updates to Member States about the needed assistance which they have referenced to determine emergency and relief support, most of which have already been sent to the Philippines with more on their way. ASEAN will continue its operation on the ground and more support from the Association is coming to the Philippines.

This C-130 aircraft will support the transportation of relief supplies and personnel between Manila and areas in the Visayas region which have been badly affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

 

[OPSSG]

Are Philippines officials only handing out food to the people who VOTED for them? Shocking claim that millions in other areas are being left to fend for themselves after Typhoon

- An aid worker on the ground in the Philippines told MailOnline that favouritism exists at a national and village level
- He spoke on condition of anonymity saying he feared he might 'vanish' if identified
- The number of confirmed dead from Typhoon Haiyan has jumped more than 1,200 to 3,621, according to officials​

The survivors of Typhoon Haiyan are in desperate need of food and water and a huge relief effort is under way – but a shocking claim has emerged from an aid worker in the Philippines that government officials are prioritising aid based on who they think will vote for them. The worker told MailOnline that the system there is so corrupt that he feared he would ‘vanish’ if he was identified. He said: ‘Relief is not being distributed fairly in the Philippines. The government is prioritising the areas that vote for them. This is happening with all the large aid. The government is holding funds back and distributing on vote.’

However, a spokesman for the Disaster Emergency Committee said: ‘The DEC has had no reports from our member agencies that aid is being prioritised by the Philippines government on the basis of potential political support. ‘The DEC charities will fight tooth and nail to make sure aid goes to survivors according to their need alone, without regard for irrelevant factors such as people’s political views, religion or race.’

He said: ‘It is being reported to us by the locals in one village that the head of the Baranguays [villages] gave additional vouchers for relief packs to families they favoured. So by the end of the relief, even though we had given exactly the right number of packs for the number of families in the village, several went without. ‘They were all telling us that it was done by favouritism.’

The worker was distressed that ‘only Leyte and Tacloban are getting the international coverage’ and that the plight of those in other, more remote, areas of the Philippines was being made worse because ‘no one even knows about them’. He added: ‘I don’t want to upset people over here it’s very corrupt and I don’t want to vanish.’

The Philippine government, meanwhile, has defended its efforts to deliver assistance to victims of the typhoon. ‘In a situation like this, nothing is fast enough,’ Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said in Tacloban, most of which was destroyed by the storm one week ago. ‘The need is massive, the need is immediate, and you can't reach everyone.’ The number of confirmed dead jumped more than 1,200 to 3,621, Eduardo del Rosario, executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said on Friday...

<snip>

TACLOBAN, Philippines (Nov. 14, 2013) An MH-60S Seahawk from the "Island Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 drops supplies onto Tacloban Air Base in support of Operation Damayan. The George Washington Strike Group supports the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to assist the Philippine government in response to the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in the Republic of the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo R. Guzman)

Max Fisher documents the Philippine government's troubled track record on storm relief.

Storm exposure, left, and reconstruction funds, right, by municipality in the Philippines from 2001 to 2010. (James Atkinson, Allen Hicken and Nico Ravanilla/The Monkey Cage)

This map, via the Monkey Cage, is key to understanding why the Philippines is very likely to struggle in relief efforts -- and why some hard-hit areas may have been underprepared. The Philippine government has a lot of trouble with political competition and with certain kinds of corruption. Look back up: The map on the left shows how badly each district was affected by storms between 2001 and 2010; redder districts were hit harder. The map on the right shows which districts got the most government funding for reconstruction; redder districts got more money. Theoretically, these maps should be identical. That they're not shows how the country's money-distorted political system has sometimes made it tough for it to prepare for, and respond to, storms like Haiyan.

TACLOBAN, Republic of the Philippines (Nov. 14, 2013) MV-22 Ospreys assigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, take on supplies to provide aid during "Operation Damayan." The George Washington Strike Group supports the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to assist the Philippine government in response to the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in the Republic of the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo R. Guzman)

15 November 2013 – The South Korean government, which has pledged US$5 million in comprehensive assistance to aid the survivors and victims of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), has called for more support for the Philippines, according to reports monitored by the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. The amount was decided at a joint private-public meeting on emergency relief operations overseas held by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) November 12 to finalize its comprehensive assistance plan. Second Vice Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul chaired the meeting, which was attended by the relevant government ministries as well as business and non-government organizations. In addition to the humanitarian assistance, the Council agreed to dispatch by today, November 15, the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) composed of 20 medical personnel, 14 paramedics, four staff members of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and two MOFA officials via military aircraft.

Relief goods are loaded onto a military plane at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, south of Seoul, on Nov. 14, 2013 for delivery to typhoon victims in the Philippines. South Korea is sending about 20 tons of blankets, tents, sanitary kits and food as assistance to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. A 40-man team of medics and rescue officers will go to the Philippines on Nov. 15 to provide further relief assistance.

TACLOBAN, Republic of the Philippines (Nov. 14, 2013) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Eric Chiarito, from Hyde Park, N.Y., left, and Marine Sgt. Jonathan Thornton, from Lake Havasu, Ariz., load supplies onto a forklift at Tacloban Air Base in support of Operation Damayan. The George Washington Strike Group supports the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to assist the Philippine government in response to the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in the Republic of the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo R. Guzman)

Pacific Command Creates Joint Task Force for Philippines Relief

JTF 505 Commander Discusses Typhoon Relief Mission - YouTube

By Jim Garamone

Nov. 15, 2013 – U.S. Pacific Command has established a joint task force to coordinate the Defense Department’s relief efforts in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Joint Task Force 505 is commanded by Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John E. Wissler, who is moving to the Philippines from his base in Okinawa, Japan. He will command all U.S. military disaster relief efforts in the region. Thousands of people were killed in the area hit by the typhoon. Philippine officials are still sorting out the chaos caused by the storm, which packed winds exceeding 150 mph. Some islands in the Philippine archipelago in the path of the typhoon have not yet been landed upon to check for damage, Philippine officials said in news reports. Wissler will report directly to Navy Adm. Samuel L. Locklear III, Pacom’s commander.

The designation of the effort in the Philippines as a joint task force will make it easier for DOD to move appropriate assets into the region to support relief efforts as quickly as possible and aid in expediting personnel, equipment and asset requests, officials said. The American effort is led by the U.S. Agency for International Development in support of Philippine government needs. American troops already are on the ground in the affected area. More than 400 service members are in Tacloban and at Clark International Airport.

The priorities are potable water, food, shelter and medical care, Philippine officials said. Ground transportation is limited, and helicopters from the recently arrived aircraft carrier USS George Washington, as well as Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys, have been getting supplies around the region. The first Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport jet landed at Tacloban airfield and delivered water production capabilities to the Philippine armed forces. About 800 more U.S. Marines will arrive in the area next week.

 

[OPSSG]

NZ’s Humanitarian Mission Arrives In The Philippines

15 Nov 2013 -- A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130 aircraft arrived in the Philippines at 6.30pm NZ time today, bringing 5.6 tonnes of aid and disaster relief supplies to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

“Our priority is to support the efforts by the Philippines Government and international community to provide aid and shelter to those hardest hit by the typhoon,” said Squadron Leader (SQNLDR) Steve Thornley, who leads the 24-member 40 Squadron detachment that has been deployed by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). The aircraft is scheduled to return to Darwin on Saturday to pick up a further four tonnes of emergency supplies including tents, tarpaulins, water containers and face masks, before continuing to assist with internal aid distribution.

“We have brought 1500 collapsible water bottles, 12 chainsaw packs, four generators and 800 tarpaulins for shelter to people who have their homes damaged or destroyed.”

SQNLDR Thornley said the aircraft will form part of a multi-national pool of transport aircraft that will help deliver aid to the typhoon-ravaged areas of the Philippines. It will operate out of the logistics hub that has been set up at the Cebu international airport in the central Philippines.

 

[OPSSG]

RSAF C-130 Relief Efforts in Philippines (15 Nov 2013)

In the Philippines, the RSAF team continues hard at work, ferrying bags of aid from Manila to Tacloban, and evacuating civilians from Tacloban to Manila.

On 15 November, the team ferried 180 30KG bags of aid from Manila to Tacloban, and evacuated 78 civilians from Tacloban to Manila.

 

[OPSSG]

Royal New Zealand Air Force evacuates Haiyan Survivors

A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) cargo aircraft evacuated around 240 survivors and distributed aid to the typhoon-devastated eastern Philippines on the first day of New Zealand’s humanitarian mission to the Southeast Asian country. “We are supporting the international effort to get aid into the worst-hit areas, where there is a huge humanitarian need for food, water and shelter,” said Squadron Leader Steve Thornley, commander of the 24-member 40 Squadron detachment that has been deployed by the New Zealand Defence Force.

“We also tried to get as many people as we can to better conditions in Cebu,” he said, referring to one of few cities in the region that escaped the wrath of the super storm.On Saturday, the RNZAF’s C-130 Hercules delivered around 30 tonnes of rice, tinned food, water, emergency shelter, field hospital equipment and toilets to the battered cities of Tacloban and Ormoc and the town of Guiuan as part of an international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation in the Philippines. “We will try to reach other hard-hit areas in coming days,” according to Squadron Leader Thornley.

The RNZAF C-130, which arrived in the central Philippines city of Cebu on Friday with around six tonnes of aid and emergency supplies, has joined a multinational fleet of military aircraft that are helping distribute food, water and emergency shelter to survivors stranded in remote locations in this archipelagic Southeast Asian country.

Squadron Leader James Anderson said they will fly to Darwin today to pick up another four tonnes of disaster relief goods donated donated by the New Zealand government, private sector and non-government organisations. “We are doing as much as we can in coordination with the Philippine military. It’s great to be part of this multinational effort to help the Philippines and have the opportunity to make a difference. It’s very rewarding to be able to wave the Kiwi flag,” he said. Thousands of survivors, many with only the clothes on their backs and are desperate to flee the trail of devastation left by Haiyan, were queuing at the damaged airports of Tacloban, Ormoc and Guiuan when the RNZAF aircraft arrived on Saturday. At Ormoc, where thousands of people are feared to have been killed by the super storm, survivors ran to the RNZAF aircraft as soon as they were told that they could board.

“Someone told me this is a New Zealand aircraft. Thank you New Zealand for getting me and my family to safety, thank you for helping us,” said Cristino Campo, a 50-year-old carpenter from Tacloban who was evacuated with his wife and three children.

 

[gf0012-aust]

Crosslinked to

Stung by criticisms, China increases aid to typhoon-ravaged Philippines from $100k to $1.6m | Consortium of Defense Analysts

to provide the broader community with some updates.

 

[OPSSG]

Philippine President Visits Guiuan and Tacloban City

18 Nov 2013 -- PRESIDENT Aquino is staying indefinitely in this storm-devastated city to find ways to speed up the delivery of relief goods in Eastern Visayas. “We’ll stay here until we see that we’re no longer adding (to the efforts of relief officials),” said the President, stressing the need to speed up the pace of relief operations, so that authorities could begin to concentrate on rebuilding the areas hit hard by supertyphoon Yolanda. He met with Mayor Alfred Romualdez last night to synchronize the efforts of both the national government and local government in hastening relief and recovery efforts.
[OPSSG Comment: Mayor Romualdez is a member of the Marcos clan, whose evil and tentacles of corruption reach deep in the political heart of Tacloban. The power of the 'dark-side' remains strong in Tacloban. In city's storm-ravaged centre is a statue of the former dictator Marcos. It is completely undamaged, as a symbol of things that don't change in Philippine politics.]

Captain without a ship: Marcos clan mayor at eye of Philippine storm

BY ANDREW R.C. MARSHALL AND STUART GRUDGINGS

16 Nov 2013 -- Minutes before a tsunami-like storm surge slammed into the Philippine coastal city of Tacloban, a tall man in a motorcycle helmet strode along the shore through ferocious typhoon winds. Mayor Alfred Romualdez, 51, was wearing the headgear to protect against what he called a wind so strong "it would take your eyes out." He didn't see the wall of water coming and was lucky to survive the catastrophe that killed at least 819 people there and 3,633 across the central Philippines.

The disaster not only flattened his city, it also dredged up a history of enmity between his political clan, led by shoe-loving former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and the family of President Benigno Aquino -- the country's two most influential political families. President Aquino, under mounting criticism over his handling of the disaster, has sought to deflect some blame toward Romualdez's administration, whose staff and security forces have been decimated by the storm. "It appears (Tacloban) was not that prepared, let's just say, compared to other areas," Aquino told reporters in Manila a day after the typhoon hit.

The mayor's wife, formerly a sultry B-movie star and now a Tacloban city councilor, held a tearful news conference in Manila, apparently prompted by Aquino's remarks. "This is not politics," said Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez, her voice breaking. The finger-pointing, however, is sure to worsen as the typhoon's official death toll rises to nearly 4,000 amid unrelenting recriminations over poorly enforced evacuation orders and tardy relief efforts.

Super Typhoon Haiyan turned Tacloban into a corpse-strewn ruin and made Romualdez - nephew of Imelda and the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos - its most prominent survivor. It has also stirred up difficult questions over whether the Marcos clan's history of bad blood with the current First Family has hindered the often chaotic rescue and recovery efforts and whether politics had a role in one of the country's worst natural disasters. President Aquino's father, also called Benigno, was assassinated on his return from exile in 1983 when Ferdinand Marcos was president. The Marcos government said it was a lone gunman who broke through security and shot Benigno Aquino dead on the tarmac. The corruption-riddled Marcos regime was overthrown three years later by a "people power" revolution, fuelled by Benigno Aquino's death and led by his late mother Corazon.

CAPTAIN WITHOUT A SHIP

The Romualdez-Marcos clan have long had a political stranglehold over Tacloban. Hanging in City Hall is a typhoon-tilted portrait of the man Romualdez replaced as mayor in 2008: his father Alfredo, who held the position for nine years. Imelda's birthplace of Tolosa, a short drive south of Tacloban in Leyte province, was badly affected by the typhoon. The former first lady was crowned "The Rose of Tacloban" as a teenage beauty queen. Romualdez has defended his preparations for the storm, which he said were approved by national government officials at a meeting 24 hours beforehand. "They said everything was okay," he told reporters at the battered City Hall on Friday, his voice hoarse from days of shouting and little sleep. The odor of a nearby open-air morgue wafted through the broken windows.

The typhoon overwhelmed the city's government operations. A week later, an average of only 70 city officials, many of whom lost homes and loved ones, were showing up for work each day, compared to a staff of 2,500 before Haiyan struck. Romualdez now resembles a captain without a ship, trying to marshal meager resources while the national government, aided by U.S. military might and international aid agencies, increasingly takes control of resurrecting his city. Romualdez has complained that Aquino's government is undermining him, citing a request from Manila to declare the city administration dysfunctional so the national authorities can take full control. "This is very lamentable because we are doing everything we can to help the people and fulfill our duties and responsibilities as elected leaders," he said.

DISASTER POLITICS

<snip>
....

Romualdez's heroic story of survival masks criticism that he ignored his own evacuation advice and clear warnings of a dangerous storm surge from the national weather centre. Marinel Raandaan, a 32-year old mother of four who was among families that have built temporary shelters with no government help at a property owned by Imelda Marcos, said the city should have anticipated the storm surge. "He's the man of the city, the boss, he is the father of the town so we supported him. But now we're frustrated," she said.

Romualdez was at his home on the coast when he heard by radio that the sea was receding. When he went to the shoreline to investigate he found the sea had pulled back by 100 meters (300 feet) - the sign of an approaching storm surge or tsunami. Haiyan's ferocious 314 kph (195 mph) winds were already lashing Tacloban as Romualdez was making his patrols. The water came suddenly. Romualdez and several aides took refuge in a two-storey building, then punched a hole in the roof and clung to the rafters as the water, six meters (20 feet) high in places, rushed through the floors below.

It was 90 minutes until the water subsided enough for him to climb down and find his wife and two children clinging to a post. They had been fleeing from another family house when their car was swept up in the wave, city officials said. Romualdez said nothing in the city's experience prepared it for the power of the wind and water. Many people were killed or injured in schools acting as evacuation centers, but which were built to withstand winds only half the force of Haiyan's. "We did not have enough concrete buildings. We did not have enough places to run," he said.

But even one of history's strongest storms is unlikely to dislodge the Romualdez-Marcos clan's sway over Leyte. Imelda Marcos is now 84 years old and a second-term congresswoman in Ilocos Norte, her late husband's home province. Her family has launched its own relief operation to deliver portable water treatment plants, her son Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., himself a senator, told Reuters...

<snip>

(Additional reporting by Manuel Mogato and Erik dela Cruz in Manila; Aubrey Belford in Tacloban; Editing by Jason Szep and Michael Perry)

Part of the agenda would be to seek out the mayor’s help in implementing the cash-for-work scheme to rid the city of the massive litter and debris left by Yolanda. Romualdez was conspicuously absent when the President toured the city, which has been littered with all manner of imaginable debris nine days after Yolanda struck. The mayor has had a falling out with Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, who is the one in-charge of the relief and recovery operations as co-chair of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. In the last May polls, Romualdez ran under the United Nationalist Coalition of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

In other news, the Marcos clan are starting to sell the loot they have stolen.

Imelda's secretary found guilty in looted Monet sale

19 Nov 2013 -- NEW YORK CITY, USA – A one-time secretary to Imelda Marcos was found guilty by a US court on Monday, November 18, for plotting to sell a Monet painting which vanished after the 1986 revolution that saw the former first lady of the Philippines ousted. Sentencing for Vilma Bautista, 75, will be held at a date that has not yet been announced, officials said. "Bautista was found guilty of attempting to sell art she had possessed secretly for decades and knew to be stolen, and for selling a looted museum-quality painting for her personal enrichment," Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said.

She was one of three people accused of illegally conspiring to possess and sell works of art acquired by Marcos, and keeping proceeds for themselves, the Manhattan district attorney's office said. They also sought to hide the gains from the US tax authorities. The Monet was part of Imelda Marcos' hoard of artworks and other luxuries accumulated during the corrupt rule of her husband, President Ferdinand Marcos. The Philippines government moved to recover the property in the aftermath of the 1986 revolution, but much of it vanished...

<snip>

Mr. Aquino arrived in Tacloban City yesterday afternoon after a brief visit to Guiuan, Eastern Samar, where “Yolanda” first made landfall on Nov. 8 before it ripped through Leyte and the rest of central Philippines. It was his first time to visit Guiuan, where he inspected the town plaza, public market and the central public school of this Pacific coastal town that felt the first onslaught of Yolanda’s fury. In Guiuan, a hard-hit coastal town in eastern Samar province, Mr. Aquino praised the city mayor for conducting a proper evacuation that had limited deaths to less than 100, saying that was a contrast to other towns.

From there, the President and his officials returned to Tacloban, which he last visited three days after Yolanda’s ferocious winds and storm surges flattened entire villages, toppled communication lines and electric posts and killed over 3,700 people. The President inspected vital public installations and hospitals, and was briefed by Task Force Yolanda on the progress of relief operations for survivors as it entered its 9th day.

Philippine citizens gather around a MH-60S Seahawk from the "Golden Falcons" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 as it delivers relief supplies in support of Operation Damayan. The George Washington Strike Group supports the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to assist the Philippine government in response to the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in the Republic of the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Peter Burghart/RELEASED)

GUIUAN, Eastern Samar Province, Republic of the Philippines (Nov. 16, 2013) Hon. Jejomar Binay, vice president of the Republic of Philippines, left, shakes hands with Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet, center, during a shore visit in support of Operation Damayan. The George Washington Strike Group supports the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to assist the Philippine government in response to the aftermath of the Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Republic of the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas/Released)

GUIUAN, Eastern Samar Province, Republic of the Philippines (Nov. 16, 2013) MV-22 Ospreys from Marine Tiltrotor Squadron 262 and Marine Tiltrotor Squadron 265 wait to refuel during Operation Damayan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas/Released)

Evacuees from Tacloban arrive in Cebu from the Philipine Navy's LC1551.

 

[OPSSG]

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR)

LC-551 left Cebu on November 18, 2013 en route to Tacloban City pier transporting 165.5 tons of assorted relief goods with 161 military/ 25 civilians.

The Naval Task Group (NTG) “Tulong Visayas” composing of 6 Officers/91 EP from Philippine Marine Corps, 5 Officers/33 EP from Naval Combat Engineering Brigade, 2 Officers/5 EP from Naval Communications Electronics and Information System, 2 Officers/3 EP from Manila Naval Hospital, and 5 Officers/8 EP from NTG Command Group intended to establish order and command and control and facilitate rehabilitation in Guiuan, Eastern Samar to bring back government services is on board the ship. The team have full personal and unit provisions and joining them are heavy equipment of 1 pay loader, 2 M35 trucks, 2 dump trucks, 1 forklift, 1 backhoe loader, 1 tractor head, 1 low bed Trailer, 1 fuel cell, 1 water cell, 1 welding machine, 3 squad tents, 1 generator, 1 DRO van, 1 DRTU trailer and 1 ambulance. LCC 551 is expected to arrive Tacloban City today (November 19, 2013).

Deployment of JSDF to provide aid to the Philippines

Japan will send almost 1,200 troops to join relief efforts in the typhoon-ravaged Philippines along with three warships, 10 planes and six helicopters, in the single largest aid deployment by the country’s military. About 1,170 members of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) will provide medical support and quarantine services, and transport relief goods, the ministry said.

The aircraft include seven C-130H transport planes, two KC-767 tanker planes and one U-4 multi-purpose support plane. Japan initially dispatched 50 JSDF members to assist in medical support and transport operations and it was readying as many as 1,000 troops to go to the Philippines.

Deployment of JSDF to provide aid to the Philippines (18 Nov 2013)

Almost 1,200 Japanese Self-Defense Forces personnel will soon be working alongside the Americans here, conducting medical activities and helping move supplies in Cebu, Manila and Tacloban, according to a Japanese Joint Staff Office spokesman; 100 are on the ground, with the rest expected to arrive soon.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships, including the destroyer Ise, transport vessel Osumi and supply vessel Towada, are heading for the Philippines.

“This is the largest deployment of SDF [Self Defense Force] personnel to an international disaster relief activity,” the spokesman said.

Japan has also deployed three CH-47s, three UH-1s and 2 SH-60s, two KC-767s, seven C-130s and one U-4 aircraft.

Japan will also provide $52.1 million in disaster assistance, according to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

[OPSSG]

On the 16th November 2013, HMS Daring's Lynx was launched to conduct recce's of affected areas from the recent Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.As announced by the British Prime Minister, Royal Navy warship HMS Daring is tasked to assist the Philippines after the country suffered crippling devastation during Typhoon Haiyan.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlCjDRms7RM"]HMS Illustrious departs Singapore for the Philippines - YouTube[/nomedia]


Three people lost their lives and many had wounds from being hit by flying objects, with little medical care provided as there was just one nurse with dwindling medical supplies. After spotting the village’s distress call where they spelt out HELP on their playground, HMS Daring brought a medical team from Save The Children to set up clinics around the main villages. Picture: LA(Phot) Keith Morgan

Royal Navy sailors have arrived at the island of Guintacan which suffered extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure during Typhoon Haiyan. Seventy-four year-old Adoragon Pariol walked for several kilometers over open tree-strewn ground to reach the clinics after she fractured her right wrist a week previously. Picture: POA(Phot) Paul A'Barrow.

Royal Navy sailors have arrived at the island of Gunitacan which suffered extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure during Typhoon Haiyan. Picture: POA(Phot) Paul A'Barrow.

A team of Royal Navy sailors also set to work to repair the local school’s roof which had been completely stripped of its corrugated iron sheets, and cleared the inside of debris and stagnant water. The children have not been able to go to school for more than a week. Picture: LA(Phot) Keith Morgan

HMS Illustrious arrived in Singapore on 20 November 2013 on her way to the Philippines.

The UK is providing urgent humanitarian support for up to 800,000 people in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. The UK will provide over £50 million in humanitarian support to help aid get through to hard to reach areas.

UK support will include:

(i) the redeployment of HMS Daring and HMS Illustrious to the Philippines to join the aid effort;
(ii) flights delivering 4x4s, forklift trucks, water purification kits and cutting equipment to flood hit areas;
(iii) the deployment of a team of 12 NHS staff trained to operate under emergency conditions;
(iv) providing temporary shelters, bedding, blankets and solar lanterns to people through the Rapid Response Facility; and
(v) £30 million to support the UN and Red Cross emergency appeals for the Philippines.​

The Daily Mail may not be the most reliable source but I believe that its report is not inconsistent donor government with expectations, that some aid will be diverted.

Philippines aid scandal: Food flown in from Britain ends up in shops hundreds of miles from typhoon

By SIMON PARRY, published on 7 December 2013

• Supplies have turned up on shelves of shops in the capital Manila
• Equipment bought with UK donations have been locked up in warehouses
• Rice and other food is being stockpiled and not given to needy
• Charities express concern that not all donations are reaching disaster zone​

Crucial aid sent from Britain to help the victims of typhoon-ravaged areas of the Philippines is being siphoned off and sold for profit by corrupt local officials.
Emergency supplies delivered by military helicopters have turned up on the shelves of shops in affluent districts of the capital Manila – hundreds of miles from the disaster zone.

And shelter equipment purchased using British donations has been locked up in government warehouses and stockpiled alongside rice and other food intended for victims of last month’s catastrophe, The Mail on Sunday has learned.

Last night, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) – an umbrella group representing 14 UK charities – expressed concern about evidence that suggests not all the £60 million of aid given by Britain is reaching those most in need.

Alarming evidence of the thefts has been provided by expat Keb Darge, 56, who says he faces death threats for stopping local officials stealing aid in Eastern Samar, one of the worst-hit areas...

...And Mr Darge’s allegations of corruption were backed up by a Japanese aid worker, Shiratori Koti, who said local administrators were diverting goods to their homes. Mr Koti said: ‘There isn’t enough food getting through to people. We don’t have evidence but we believe it is being taken by officials.’ There are also concerns that supplies are simply being wasted.

...In Hernani, some residents have criticised the local mayor, Edgar Boco, in the wake of the crisis. One online contributor accused him of withholding aid and ‘distributing it to his preferred party-mafia circle’. In a newspaper interview, Mr Boco admitted his officials were controlling distribution but said: ‘You can’t constantly give relief goods to the people. People will abuse the system. They will gorge themselves.’

A DEC spokesman said last night: ‘I would be interested to find out what items are being sold and where...

<snip>

I wish the DEC spokesman good luck. The level of dysfunction in Philippine politics ensures that some minor local theft of aid is beyond foreign control.

 

[OPSSG]

Nov 17, 2013 -- Commanding General of US III Marine Expeditionary Force Lieutenant General John E Wissler meets with Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel T Bautista, following the deployment of US marine forces in Visayas for humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

Volunteer air traffic controllers and U.S. service members work inside the damaged Tacloban air traffic control tower to ensure the safety of the aircraft arriving and departing from Tacloban, Republic of the Philippines, Nov. 20 as part of Operation Damayan. Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines on Nov. 7 with wind gusts at speeds up to 230 mph. Due to their efforts, the control services were restored quickly and aircraft have transported over 1,000 tons of relief aid to the city. The Marine Corps has been training and developing friendships alongside the Philippine military for more than 20 years.

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (VMM-262), currently assigned to 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade, in support of Joint Task Force 505, land MV-22B Ospreys on Villamor Air Base, Philippines, Nov. 21, 2013. The Marines with VMM-262 conduct humanitarian evacuations in support of Operation Damayan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luis A. Rodriguez III/ Released)

Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) work with members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to transport relief supplies in support of Operation Damayan. Mustin is with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group supporting the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade which is assisting the Philippine government's ongoing relief efforts in the aftermath of the Super Typhoon Haiyan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mackenzie P. Adams/Released)

Deployment of JSDF to provide aid to the Philippines (21 Nov 2013)

 

[OPSSG]

The U23 teams of the Philippines and Singapore will face-off in a charity match to raise funds for victims of the recent Typhoon Haiyan disaster. The Singapore U23 team will take on their Philippines counterparts on Sunday evening December 1, at the Hougang Stadium, with all proceeds from the game given to Red Cross Singapore in their relief efforts following the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan. Tickets for the match have been priced at SGD$20 with VIP tickets on sale for SGD$100.

Deployment of JSDF to provide aid to the Philippines (26 Nov 2013)

 

[OPSSG]

Operation Damayan

The amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) sails the Philippine Sea. Ashland and USS Germantown (LSD 42) along with embarked Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, Naval Beach Unit 7 and elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are in the Leyte Gulf in the Republic of the Philippines in support of Operation Damayan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tony DeFilippo/Released)

U.S. Marines assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 4 (CLB 4) give water to Palo residents affected by Typhoon Haiyan Nov. 23. CLB 4 is part of Joint Task Force 505 in support of of Operation Damayan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonah Z. Stepanik/Released)

A group of Marines make their way to MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Nov. 22 at Guiuan Airfield, Republic of the Philippines. The Marines deployed to Guiuan to provide their capabilities to Typhoon Haiyan survivors at the request of the Government of the Philippines. After several days of support and a shift from a relief effort to one of recovery, it was determined the Philippine government, international non-governmental organizations and the U.S. Agency for International Development no longer require the unique capabilities provided by the U.S. Marine Corps. The Marines are currently assigned to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in support of Joint Task Force 505.

Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy, right, and AustralianArmy Maj. Nick Rose shake hands Nov. 24 in Ormoc City. The military officers discussed transition to long-term recovery operations after successful Government of the Philippines-led emergency relief efforts. Kennedy is the commanding general of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, currently in support of Joint Task Force 505.

Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy, center, Philippine Navy Capt. Roy V. Trinidad, left, and Philippine Army Col. Emmanuel Cacdac conduct a media interview Nov. 24 at Tacloban airport. The military officers discussed transition to long-term recovery operations after successful Government of the Philippines-led emergency relief efforts. U.S. forces are beginning to redeploy due to decreasing requirements for U.S. military capabilities. Kennedy is the commanding general of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, currently in support of Joint Task Force 505. Trinidad is the task-group airport commander with Joint Headquarters Staff Operations. Cacdac is the deputy task force commander, Yolanda.

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy, third from the right, stands with Armed Forces of the Philippines service members and Department of Social Welfare and Development officials at Tacloban airport, Nov. 24. As U.S. military forces begin to redeploy due to decreasing emergent needs and changing requirements, the U.S. and many other nations and organizations continue to assist in recovery efforts. The retrograde of U.S. military forces follows massive emergency relief efforts which are now transitioning to long-term recovery operations. As aid has reached the areas in most need, and those needing evacuation have been flown to safety, the demand for unique U.S. military capabilities is decreasing and can be replaced with host nation or international agency solutions, according to officials.

28 December 2013 -- 300 Republic Korean Army members, who are mostly doctors and engineers, would be deployed in Leyte towns badly devastated by super typhoon Yolanda. Korean Ambassador Lee Hyuk made the announcement during a simple ceremony at the Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base, where top Philippine Air Force and Philippine Army officials welcomed the foreign soldiers. Aside from the 300, who would be deployed in the towns of Palo, Tolosa, and Tanauan, 229 more are also on their way to the Philippines on board a Korean Navy ship.