Relief Efforts Of US Military For Typhoon Haiyan Victims May Increase

Relief Efforts Of US Military For Typhoon Haiyan Victims May Increase

The relief effort of the US military in the Philippines is expected to increase once the extent of the damage wrought by Typhoon Haiyan is fully assessed. This comes as a US Navy aircraft carrier made its way to the archipelago.

The Pentagon revealed that around 250 US Marines and service personnel are already in the ground. This group is supported by four tilt-rotor Ospreys and five KC-130 transport aircraft. The USS George Washington along with one destroyer and two cruisers may reach the region soon. Another supply ship is expected to link with the carrier group.

Potable water can be produced by the carrier, which can also ferry supplies and people with its aircraft.

Relief goods were already distributed by the US Marines to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. These relief goods include food, water, medicine and shelter. Extensive damage was suffered by the country after Typhoon Haiyan brought winds of over 150 mph last Friday.

George Little, the press secretary of the Pentagon, indicated that the Department of Defense will collaborate closely with the Philippine government and Department of State in determining the assets that may be required for the relief operations.

Amphibious ships may also be deployed by the Pentagon in delivering relief supplies into the shore. Smaller boats can also be used in maritime rescue assistance.

The needs of the affected areas may increase as a better picture of the situation is achieved. The requirements are currently being assessed by the Third Marine Expeditionary Brigade. A senior US Marine official indicated the number of US Marines may reach 2,000 once the relief needs increase.

Resources are only provided by the US military upon the request of the Philippine government. The typical route for requests will go through the host government in relief operations for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

Posted by James Fried on Thursday November 14 2013, 1:58 AM EST. Ref: USA Today. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, World. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0