Days after super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) slammed through Central Philippines, aid is trickling in slowly. It’s not enough for people in need of food, water, and medicine. Dazed survivors roam the streets, scouring for food food among the debris. In Tacloban City, there’s anarchy on the streets: people turn to looting just to survive. Local officials say in this city alone, they fear up to 10,000 people have been killed. In many areas ravaged by the typhoon, some communication lines are restored but remain unreliable. Survivors hand out letters to passers-by and reporters, asking them to tell their families they are alive. Worried Filipinos also turn to social media to get news about their relatives’ fate. Beginning Saturday, the social welfare department offered free satellite Internet service in Tacloban. Free calling stations in some areas are open for public use.
On Monday, November 11, President Benigno Aquino declares a state of national calamity. In a nationwide address, he also appealed to survivors in the hardest-hit areas to cooperate with rescue workers. Aquino also said the government approved P1.1 billion for the quick response funds of the social welfare department and the public works department. The declaration of a state of calamity allows the government to control the prices of basic goods and commodities for affected areas. The government can also access funds for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Read Related Stories:
Yolanda Survivors Desperate For Aid
Aquino Declares State of Calamity
Zoraida Weather Update
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.