An outpouring of support keeps coming in to help victims of super typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. International aid is streaming as various rescue teams step up attempts to get to the survivors who are now on their sixth day of trauma amid the massive devastation left by the strongest typhoon in the nation’s history. In their need to survive the state of adversity they are in, many of the surviving victims are forced to loot their towns for food, water and medicines.
Foreign aid
Aid coming from the international community has been pouring in to help the various islands that have been hit by the category 5 cyclone. The United States has already deployed its marines to Leyte province on Monday in an anxious effort to rescue starving survivors from the typhoon that is said to have killed an estimated 10,000 people. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has sent the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and other ships to proceed to the Philippines.
The US government has also committed $20 million in rapid aid to the Philippines to help the victims initially recover from their losses. The aid, according to the U.S. Agency for International Development, is intended to provide immediate needs such as food, shelter, commodities, water, sanitation system and other provisions. Secretary of State John Kerry announced that the U.S. government will provide further assistance to help the hapless victims until normalcy returns.
Meanwhile Australia is fielding a medical team composed of 36 associates as well as equipment and medical supplies to treat thousands of patients. The team will set up a temporary 50-bed hospital, according to Australian Health Minister Peter Dutton. On top of this, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced that Australian government is pledging $A10 million for the relief operations.
Support from Celebrities
The present situation of the Philippines has likewise called the attention of Hollywood celebrities. Big names in Tinseltown like Mel Gibson has expressed his grief over the tremendous loss of lives in the affected areas. Gene Simmons of the rock band KISS said the world must realize that it must be one and united to help one another during unfortunate events like this. Singer Rihanna, actress Jessica Parker and actor Kevin Bacon are among the stars who expressed sympathy for the victims. On the other hand, Jessica Sanchez, half-Filipino 2012 American Idol has called on her fans in America and the Philippines to give their donations.
More aid coming in
According to an unofficial report, a total of $2.603 billion in aid from various donor nations has already been pledged and on its way to the typhoon stricken Filipinos. In the donors’ list are the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, European Union, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, UNICEF, New Zealand, Germany, Spain, Singapore and Sweden. More help is expected to follow from other organizations all over the world.
National state of calamity
Amid the mounting desperation across central Philippines that had been flattened by the enormous winds, rains and storm surges during the height of typhoon Haiyan, President Benigno Aquino III declared a national state of calamity on Monday. The declaration came in the wake of increased restlessness among the people who have gone into looting commercial establishments. Under a national state of calamity, the government has the authority to impose price controls, facilitate quick release of emergency funds and restore peace and order in the typhoon stricken areas.
Photo Credit: US Marines in Haiyan Relief
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