Cebu logistics hub of massive relief operations for Tacloban, other 'Yolanda'-hit areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 13): Cebu logistics hub of massive relief operations for Tacloban, other 'Yolanda'-hit areas

Hulking C-130 Hercules military cargo planes fly in and out of this air base, carrying much-needed relief goods to Tacloban City and other areas hit by super typhoon "Yolanda" and bringing in the injured and those stranded by the typhoon.

The military transport planes also flew to Cebu at least 300 families who fled from the misery in typhoon-ravaged Tacloban City.

They are now temporarily staying inside this military base.

”We have to fly as many sorties as possible from dawn to dusk because airports in typhoon-devastated areas have no equipment for night landing,” Lt. Col. Marciano Guevara, Philippine Air Force (PAF) Second Air Division spokesperson, said.

Guevara said most of of their flights were to and from Tacloban City, the hardest hit by the super typhoon.

The strongest typhoon in recorded history wiped out the city, leaving survivors in desperate need for food, water and shelter.

The military planes are the quickest way to transport food, water and other relief goods to Tacloban.

They are also used to transport those who were wounded and stranded by the typhoon.

Guevara said they have to sort out the injured and give priority to those who need immediate medical attention such as the elderly and the children.

Guevara said the PAF has three C-130 cargo planes, their workhorse in troop and materiel transport and in relief operations.

Cebu was earlier designated by Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras as the hub for the massive relief efforts for areas badly hit by super typhoon Yolanda.

Almendras said Cebu is the closest logistics center to support both Tacloban and the Panay areas.

Government has also mobilized boats and ships of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard in transporting relief goods, equipment and aid workers to typhoon-affected areas.

Cebu-based shipping companies have also offered to transport for free relief goods to affected areas, many of which could not be reached by land because of damaged roads and bridges.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas based in Cebu City has targeted shipping out 50,000 food packs a day for typhoon victims.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=586214