Japan sends military vessel, 1,180 volunteers to help in 'Yolanda' rehab efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 23): Japan sends military vessel, 1,180 volunteers to help in 'Yolanda' rehab efforts

The Japanese government, which has weathered its share of natural calamities, has sent a joint task force with 1,180 volunteers to help in the relief and reconstruction effort in areas devastated by super typhoon 'Yolanda'.

A military vessel from Japan arrived Friday morning in Tacloban, carrying the volunteers, relief goods and heavy equipment.

Two more vessels are on their way to Tacloban, said Commander Takashi Inoue, deputy director for public affairs of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense.

He said the 1,180 volunteers, including doctors and engineers, will help in the “Operation Sangkay,” a joint effort of the Japan Disaster Relief and Self-Defense Force. Sangkay means “friend” in Waray.

Lt. General Roy Deveraturda, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command based in Camp Lapu-Lapu, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, said the help from Japan will speed up rehabilitation efforts in the typhoon-ravaged areas.

“Just like all the other help extended to us, we are grateful for Japan’s contribution as it will help a lot in the speedy recovery of the affected areas,” he told reporters.

He said he met Friday Rear Admiral Hisanori Sato, commander of the joint task force, at the Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base.

Deveraturda said the National Government is preparing for the reconstruction phase in Tacloban and other hard-hit areas.

“We have provided for the first part, the survival. We have food, water and medicines. While we are sustaining that, we are also thinking about what should be the next phase. The objective is to restore 100 percent normalcy in typhoon-affected areas,” he said.

Deveraturda said the Japanese volunteers will be stationed in Tacloban but their operation may extend to other areas like Samar.

He said the contingent from Japan has “substantial capability” and will help restore power lines and rebuild important infrastructure, like hospitals and airports.

“The outpouring of support is overwhelming,” he said.

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