November 25, 2013 4:08 PM
Survivors of typhoon Yolanda are seen in Reuters file photoas they board a US C-130 out of Tacloban, the worst-hit by storm surges. The past two weeks, US forces on an aircraft carrier, later followed by amphibious assets, have helped in relief and rescue work.
MANILA – Days before super typhoon Yolanda (click here) unleashed deadly winds and storm surges that killed more than 4,000 people - and still counting - and flattened entire communities in five regions, Philippine and United States negotiators had reached an impasse in efforts to forge a framework agreement on increased US military rotational presence in the country. Now, officials from both sides say, the post-Yolanda work into which both sides have been thrust may yet allow the talks to resume smoothly.
Days after the deadly typhoon struck, thousands of US forces on rest and recreation in an aircraft carrier in Asia were quickly recalled to duty - thus it was that the US troops, with their C-130s and Ospreys, provided vital support in ferrying food and water to hungry, homeless storm survivors in remote villages; and transported the wounded to hospitals.
In the view of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, what happened further demonstrated the need for a new military framework agreement on an increased US rotational presence in the Philippines. The DFA chief made the remarks in a press conference with a visiting US congressional delegation headed by Representatives Chris Smith of New Jersey, Al Green of Texas and Trent Franks of Arizona....
I cannot image what it is to be a survivor of Super Typhoon Haiyan. Survivors are lucky to have any family and were left with nothing but compassionate nations seeking to bring their lives comfort. The refugees and citizens from Tacloban have to find common ground and trust others to become a new family.
This is a report from NPR about life returning to Tacloban. Congratulations for those that responded to the emergency. The Phillipines may very well have a model for economic recovery. Let's hope the economy continues to return and perhaps refugees can return to some kind of sanity soon.
November 25, 2013
Nearly two weeks after super typhoon Haiyan (click here) wiped out much of the Philippine city of Tacloban, commerce there is coming back to life. Lines form in front of recently opened ATMs and gas stations. And a bustling street market has sprung up across several blocks downtown.
