A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) cargo aircraft arrived in the country Saturday and evacuated around 240 survivors of typhoon 'Yolanda', as part of New Zealand's humanitarian mission in the Philippines.
The RNZAF's C-130 Hercules also delivered around 30 tons of rice, canned goods, water, emergency shelter, field hospital equipment and toilets to the typhoon-struck cities of Tacloban and Ormoc, and the town of Guiuan.
“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.
The group also helped evacuate survivors to Cebu, one of the few cities in the region that escaped the devastation brought by the typhoon.
The RNZAF C-130, which arrived in Cebu on Friday, has joined a multinational fleet of military aircraft that are helping distribute food, water and emergency shelter to the survivors stranded in remote locations in the Philippines.
“We will try to reach other hard-hit areas in coming days,” according to Squadron Leader Thornley.
Squadron Leader James Anderson said they will fly to Darwin Sunday to pick up another four tons of disaster relief goods 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 were queuing at the damaged airports of Tacloban, Ormoc, and Guiuan when the RNZAF aircraft arrived on Saturday.
At Ormoc, survivors ran towards the aircraft as soon as they were informed that they could board.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/17/13/nz-air-force-evacuates-yolanda-survivors
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.