First wave of aid arrives in the Philippines

On Thursday, humanitarian workers and military troops, along with the USS George Washington, an aircraft carrier with a crew of 5,500 people, arrived in the Philippines to bring help to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Supplies and medical assistance were finally able to trickle into the devastated country, and 21 helicopters were brought in to access hard-to-reach areas.

The European Commission has commented that C-130 aircraft from Singapore, Japan, America and the Philippines are rotating through the nearby airport in Tacloban. Australia is also providing assistance in the form of $28 million in pledges and military aircraft toting doctors and nurses. The HMS Illustrious, the British government announced Thursday, will bring 900 people to the Philippines very soon.

“We are now in peak danger for the spread of infectious diseases, so HMS Illustrious’ capability to provide drinking water will be invaluable,” said Justine Greening, the UK’s secretary of state for international development. “This significant step-up in Britain’s military support will ensure a heavy-duty capability remains in place for the crucial weeks ahead.”

Countries all over the world have given millions of dollars to relief efforts, but the United Nations has only received just over 14% of its $301 million aid appeal. Relief coordinator Valerie Amos commented: “This is a major operation that we have to mount. We’re getting there. But, in my view, it’s far too slow.”