UN exec airs concern for women, kids in typhoon-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - United Nations humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said she was pleased with the progress in the delivery of relief assistance in Tacloban City, but expressed concern over an estimated 3.2 million women and 4.6 million children needing psychosocial support and protection against violence, trafficking and exploitation.

“The scale, complexity and urgency of this crisis are phenomenal. Many people have lost everything. They desperately need food, shelter, clean water and protection,” she said.

She said the logistical issues that hampered relief efforts in the early days of the response have been overcome and aid efforts gather pace everyday, but noted that the needs of typhoon victims are immense.

“Much more must be done… They need as much support as they can get,” she said.

She said some 2.5 million people require food assistance, access to safe water remains a challenge and the need for emergency shelter and basic protection is “enormous” with over 500,000 homes completely destroyed.

Amos and International Organization for Migration director general William Lacy Swing visited Tacloban and Guiuan on Tuesday to survey the damage caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda and assess the progress of relief assistance.

“Overall, I am encouraged that we have been able to scale up relief efforts during the last few days,” she said.

Amos said humanitarian partners estimate they have reached over 1.1 million people with food aid. The government has also distributed 837,900 food packs in affected areas.

The UN has so far raised  $193 million for Yolanda victims, including $87 million for the Haiyan Action Plan launched by the Humanitarian Country Team on Nov. 12.

China hospital ship

Amid criticisms over its meager assistance to Yolanda victims, China is sending a naval hospital ship, the 14,000-ton Peace Ark, to join the relief effort.

Peace Ark is a 300-bed hospital equipped with 217 types and 2,406 units of advanced medical systems.

An emergency medical team from the Chinese government and a disaster relief team from the Chinese Red Cross are expected to arrive in the country “within the next few days.”

A chartered plane is also arriving on Saturday to bring tents, medicine and medical equipment.

Additional French, Israel Japan, US aid

Meanwhile, French Ambassador Gilles Garachon said their teams of architects and engineers would come for the second phase of relief operations to help build disaster-proof homes and schools.

Michel Lhuillier, honorary consul of France, said he is coordinating with the humanitarian team and the Cebu provincial government to ensure faster distribution of relief goods.

Israel vowed to continue providing aid and support until after relief operations are completed.

Maj. Gen. Eyal Eizenberg of Israel arrived in Cebu on Tuesday to check on the Israeli relief operations in typhoon-ravaged areas. He also visited the Bogo Central School II, which the Israeli team helped repair.

The Israeli Defense Forces said they would be expanding their operations to assist more people.

At least 27 additional members of the Japan Disaster Relief Team arrived in the country yesterday to help in the relief and rehabilitation efforts in Tacloban City.

Two more Osprey planes left the US Marines base in Okinawa on Tuesday to assist the US troops sent earlier to help in relief efforts.

A total of 78 foreign air and naval assets are now in the country for humanitarian assistance to Yolanda victims. – With Rudy Santos, Alexis Romero, Michelle Palaubsanon, AP