Massive Combined International Aid Sent to Assist Typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda Victims in the Philippines

The Philippines experienced being hit by the largest storm to make landfall in recorded history, the Supertyphoon Haiyan, locally known as Yolanda, and suffered severe death and destruction of homes, livelihood and infrastructure. As of this writing, there are already confirmed deaths closing to 4,000 people. According to news reports, most of the death and destruction was from the storm surge that brought in up to 5 to 6 meter high water to coastal communities, with emphasis on those in Samar and Leyte provinces.

Destruction in Tacloban City (above) as well as many other cities and communities in the Visayas. The storm displaced millions of people in the entire region, and they are in need of immediate aid.
Photo taken from Reuters.

The Philippine government, although lacking in men and materiel to immediately assist the affected communities, used its air assets to reach these cities and municipalities but fell short to reach all these communities as fast as it can. Several military bases and units were also rendered out of action by the storm, including the destruction of Philippine Air Force's Tactical Operations Group - 8 (TOG-8) based in Daniel Z. Romualdez airport in Tacloban City when it was engulfed with storm surges. The first flights of PAF UH-1H and C-130 coming in to Tacloban's airport arrived in the morning of November 9, the day after the stom hit the city, but initial efforts were not enough due to overwhelming need of aid that the Philippine government and military cannot provide immediately.

The 1st batches of humanitarian aid came to the people of Tacloban City in the form of PAF C-130 Hercules, W-3A Sokol and UH-1H Huey helicopters bringing in food and water. It was not enough considering the extent of damage to the city and high number of affected citizens.

Within the next 48 hours, international support arrived, with the United States military being the first to arrive from US bases in Japan. Small teams of rescue and medical experts arrived via civilian flights to Cebu and Manila that were brought in to the affected communities by the PAF. Comprehensive international media exposure, as well as request for assistance by the Philippine government saw strong pledges of support from the international community, which provided aid of either financial and humanitarian relief goods, personnel, equipment, medicine and temporary shelters. 

What remains of the PAF's TOG-8 base in Tacloban airport after storm surges destroyed the base and killed many of the unit's personnel.
Photo taken from PAF Public Information Office c/o Col. Francis Neri's FB page.

Below are the countries that answered the call, that made the initiatives to send aid in form of medical and rescue teams, military vessels and aircraft, and engineering equipment, in addition to financial and humanitarian goods aid:

United States - was one of the first countries to send aid and aircraft to assist in the relief and transport operations. The US government initially pledged more than $20 million of humanitarian aid plus a massive military effort. Another $10 million was provided by USAID later on. Under Operation Damayan, the first to arrive are C-130J Super Hercules and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft from US military bases in Japan, which brought supplies from Manila and Cebu to Tacloban City. These aircraft also were the first to reach the airfield in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group was also immediately sent from Hong Kong, consisting of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73), the Ticonderoga-class cruisers USS Antietam (CG-54) and USS Cowpens (CG-63), the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Mustin (DDG-89) and USS Lassen (DDG-82), the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10), the Pathfinder-class oceanographic vessel USNS Bowditch (T-AGS-62), and the Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) , together with its compliment of aircraft and helicopters that include MH-60 Seahawks and C-2 Greyhounds. Around 600 troops are now on the ground, plus more than 6,000 ship crew on the naval fleet supporting them. The US government is also sending around 1,000 more troops from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit with 2 amphibious assault vessels, the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships USS Germantown (LSD-42) and USS Ashland (LSD-48), plus the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) which will greatly enhance the medical capability of the relief effort. Another ship, the Austin-class amphibious transport dock USS Denver (LPD-9) is ordered on stand-by as well. More US troops, aid and assets are coming in the next few days, including additional MV-22 Ospreys and C-130 Hercules. For aerial reconnaissance and survey the US also sent 2 P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft. 

Several groups from the US also deployed to the Philippines, including medical teams from Team Rubicon and Mammoth.

A C-130J Super Hercules and a MH-60 Seahawk from the US Military bringing aid to the Tacloban City airport.
Photo taken from the US Navy.

People lining up at Tacloban City airport while 2 US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft unloads more relief supplies.
Photo taken from the US Navy.

The USS George Washington being met by the Philippine Navy patrol vessel BRP Mariano Alvarez.

United Kingdom - pledged and provided an initial aid of $37 million, then 1st batch which were brought in by C-17 Globemaster III flying in from Europe arriving on November 16 which includes relief goods, medicines, small loader/excavator machines and Land Rover vehicles. Another pledge of $48 million was made recently on top of the initial aid, which include delivery of forklifts, cutting equipment, 4x4 vehicles, temporary shelters and household equipment, sanitary items and water purification tablets. The UK government also sent the Type-45 Daring-class destroyer HMS Daring (D32) from Singapore to assist in the relief efforts and provide clean water through its desalination facility. She will be replaced later on by the Invincible-class aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (R06) which was in the Middle East, and has several helicopters with her and can be more effective than the destroyer in assisting the relief efforts. A 12-man emergency team was also deployed. Scotland also pledged to provide GBP500,000 as well.

The UK sent a C-17 Globemaster heavy airlifter to bring in supplies, medicine and Land Rover vehicles, which arrived in Cebu on November 16. More flights are expected in the next few days.
Photo taken from Royal Air Force Twitter page.

The UK government is also sending the HMS Illustrious, which is currently in the Middle East. It has several helicopters with it which can enhance delivery of relief to far flung areas.
Photo taken from Wikimedia.

Japan - recently increased their aid amount to around than $37 million, and sent an initial medical team from the Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF) of almost 40 men. The Japanese government is also sending a contingent of more than 1,100 troops and includes 3 self defense forces ships, the Hyuga-class helicopter carrier/destroyer JDS Ise (DDH-182), the Osumi-class dock landing ship JDS Osumi (LST-4001) and the Towada-class replenishment ship JDS Towada (AOE-422). It will also be sending around 10 aircraft and helicopters to complement the relief distribution and transport efforts.

The JDS Ise, a Hyuga-class helicopter carrier//destroyer.

JSDF relief aid team headed by Col. Nakanishi (right) surveys the damage at Tacloban City.
Photo taken from Reuters.

A JASDF C-130 giving a lift to evacuees going out of Tacloban City.
Photo taken from AFP.

Australia - pledged a total of $30 million in aid, and sent an intial team from the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AusMAT) flown in together with an initial aid of relief goods and medical supplies by a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and a C-130J Super Hercules. Another batch from the Australian Defense Forces of around 200 troops, with more relief aid, water purification and desalination equipment, power generators and road clearing equipment is also being prepared to be sent soon. They are using at least 2 C-130Js for logistics support between the relief hub in Cebu to Tacloban, and a C-17 for logistics support between Manila and Cebu. A heavy landing ship, HMAS Tobruk (L 50) was also diverted to support the efforts in the Visayas and is expected to arrive soon.

Volunteers from AusMAT arriving at Tacloban after being flown in by a RAAF C-130J Super Hercules.
Photo taken from Philstar.

Canada - pledge an amount of C$5 million, and will match all the donated amount by Canadian citizens and NGOs to double the total amount. Under the Canadian Armed Forces' Contingency Plan (CONPLAN) Renaissance - Operation Renaissance 13-1, an initial team from the Disaster Assistance and Response Team (DART) arrived on November 11 using a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-144 Challenger VIP jet. A 2nd batch of members of the Canadian Armed Forces and DART arrived via CC-177 (C-17) Globemaster transport aircraft in 2 flights from November 13, and a 3rd batch was flown in by RCAF Airbus transport planes. Focus is on Roxas City and outlying municipalities, and they were able to set-up their base there on November 15. At least 2 of 3 CH-146 Griffon helicopters are also scheduled to arrive by November 19 together with water purification equipment, and a planned total of 200 DART members are expected to complete their deployment. The helicopters are to take part in delivering supplies and moving people in the affected areas around Iloilo. There was also an additional donation of C$30,000 made through the International Federation of the Red Cross. An additional funding worth C$15 million was announced recently by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper for emergency relief activities. Updates of the Canadian mission can be found HERE.

A Royal Canadian Air Force CC-177 Globemaster heavy airlifter, used to transport members of the DART and Canadian Armed Forces to Iloilo on November 14.
Photo taken from Canadian Armed Forces

Royal Canadian Air Force CC-150 Polaris transport plane with DART members arriving at Iloilo airport on November 16.
Photo taken from Canadian Armed Forces.

Canadian soldiers clearing trees and fallen power lines in Panay Island using a multi-purpose excavator.
Photo taken from Postmedia News.

Israel - one of the fastest team to arrive in the affected area, sent a 148-man contingent from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), together with 100 tons of supplies and a field hospital flown to Cebu by an El Al Airlines Boeing 747 aircraft. They are then sent to Bogo City, northern Cebu where they have reported early success in terms of medical assistance to the people there. A possible reinforcement of at least 100 more IDF members are being considered to further assist the displaced victims. A Twitter account was also made by the IDF specifically for the mission.

An IDF officer talking to Cebu locals upon arrival. They have set-up a field hospital in Bogo City, northern Cebu.
Photo from IDF Facebook page.

IDF members with young residents of Bogo City.
Photo from IDFrescue Twitter account.

Belgium - sent a team of doctors and nurses including a field hospital, a water purification unit, and relief goods. They will be focusing on medical work and are assigned in Tacloban City.

The medical team from Belgium discussing upon arrival at Tacloban City's airport.
Photo taken from Reuters.

China - $100,000 financial aid, $100,000 from Chinese Red Cross, and a pledge to bring in $1.6 million worth of humanitarian aid, with the first and second batch arriving in Cebu on November 18 and 19. It also sent rescue teams to the Philippine government, as well as sending their hospital ship Peace Ark, which is expected to arrive in the waters off Samar between November 23-24. Several Chinese companies, including those based in the Philippines, have sent their assistance through financial and humanitarian aid.

First batch of humanitarian aid from China consisting of tents and blankets arrived on November 18.
Photo taken from Government Arsenal-DND's Facebook page.

People's Liberation Army Navy hospital ship Peace Ark is expected to arrive off Samar between November 23 and 24. 

France - An initial aid of 10 tons of humanitarian goods were delivered for the Philippine Red Cross and arrived on November 12 comprising of tents, tarpaulins, cooking equipment and jerry cans. The French government will also send 40 firefighters, 2 officers from the French Government's Crisis Center, 16 security officers from the Action Internationale contre la Faim (AICF), and 2 civil security experts. Several French NGO and French Red Cross members are already in Tacloban, including members of the Pompiers de l'urgence International, and the Veolia and Eurocopter Foundations. 100 tons of equipment, including water purification systems, materials for shelter and medical kits are also pledged by the French government as part of their ongoing assistance. 

Germany - An initial aid package of more than EUR500,000 was provided, and was increased with an additional EUR4 million more soon. German airline Lufthansa together with World Vision and Aktion Deutschland Hilft sent a cargo aircraft with 5,400 blankets, 3,000 tarpaulins and tents along with medical supplies and first aid kits, water, food and hygiene kits. Rescue teams from German relief organizations like CARE, HelpAge, Malteser International are already working in Samar and Leyte, and additional teams from ADRA and Johannieter Unfallhilfe are on the way. ISAR Germany were deployed a medical team and 2 tons of medical supplies and a field hospital from Action Medeor arriving on November 11.

Ground crew at Ninoy Aquino International Airport unloading relief aid cargo from a Lufthansa cargo aircraft, as provided by the airline in partnership with World Vision and Aktion Deutschland Hilft.
Photo taken from Lufthansa Facebook page.

Hungary - several members of the Hungary Emergency Response Team have been deployed in Tacloban City, which include search dogs and medics. Also on the ground are members of the Hungarian Baptist Charity Service and Hungarian Reformed Charity which also carried medical equipment and $15,000 in aid consisting of medicine, bandages and infusions.

Members of the Hungary Emergency Response Team unload their gears after being brought in by American MV-22 Osprey aircraft to Tacloban City.
Photo taken from Getty Images.

India - an Indian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules delivered 15 tons of needed relief supplies in Tacloban City on November 16, consisting of hygiene chemicals, drinking water, tents, blankets, tarpaulins, water purification equipment, ready-made meals and powdered milk. There are also plans to send more aid and an Indian Navy ship as soon as they can.

An Indian Air Force airman guiding the unloading of relief supplies from a C-130J Super Hercules.
Photo taken from the Associated Press.

"From the people of India to friends in Philippines".

Indonesia - the first country from ASEAN to bring in relief goods to Cebu, provided $1 million worth of relief goods of about 75 tons of food, water, power generators, medicines and blankets which were brought in by 3 Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) C-130 Hercules flying in several sorties, plus $1 million financial aid provided to the Philippine government. As of this writing there are still reports of more Indonesian Air Force C-130 flights coming in with more aid, and it is planning to send a navy ship, the landing platform dock KRI Makassar, together with 2 helicopters and members of the Indonesian Armed Forces to assist in humanitarian work.

The Indonesian Red Cross is also making their own initiative, and is bringing in more relief volunteers of around 50 men and aid worth IDR 2.8 billion, which will be sent on November 20. This includes hygiene kits, blankets, family tents, and instant noodles. They will be sending water tankers, 2 rescue helicopters and 2 all terrain vehicles. 

An Indonesian Air Force C-130 being loaded with supplies bound for Cebu during one of its sorties.
Photo taken from Associated Press.

An Indonesian Air Force C-130 arrives at Roxas City airport, and goods are being unloaded by Armed Forces of the Philippines troops.
Photo taken from Liputan6.com website.

Luxembourg - provided EUR 400,000 in aid coursed through their humanitarian partners, and also sent 4 rescue experts as part of the UNOCHA's International Humanitarian Partnership Team and 2 Emergency experts embedded with the Danish and Swedish teams.

Malaysia - also one of the first ASEAN countries to send aid, has provided $1 million in financial aid and $1 million worth of relief aid which includes 14 tons of emergency supplies and medicine. Members of Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), Malaysian Army doctors and medical personnel and volunteers from the 1Malaysia Putera Club (KP1M) were brought in by 2 Royal Malaysian Air Force C-130 Hercules. They were the first foreign team to arrive at Burauen, Leyte and also provided aid to residents at Palo, Leyte.

Relief goods being unloaded from an RMAF C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.
Photo taken from defensetalk forums.

The Malaysian contingent bringing in supplies to Burauen, Leyte.
Photo taken from New Straits Times.

The Netherlands - an initial financial aid of EUR 50,000 was coursed through the Red Cross, and another donated EUR 2 million through the Red Cross and the United Nations. A Royal Netherlands Air Force KDC-10 transport aircraft flew in to bring 29 tons of relief supplies from non-profit and relief organizations and arrived in Manila on November 16.

A Royal Netherlands Air Force KDC-10 transport aircraft similar to the above shown arrived in Manila on November 16 to bring in 29 tons of relief goods.
Photo taken from planespotters.net.

New Zealand - the government provided NZ$2.5 million in humanitarian assistance through the Red Cross and other agencies. It also sent 2 Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules transports to bring in relief goods, as well as use for transport of goods, personnel and evacuees for at 4 to 5 days.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules being unloaded of relief supplies.
Photo taken from RNZAF Facebook page.

A RNZAF C-130 Hercules being used to airlift people from affected areas going to Cebu City.
Photo taken from RNZAF Facebook page.

Qatar - also sent 2 flights of C-17 Globemaster from the Royal Qatari Air Force, with 80 tons of medication, food, blankets, tents and clothes. The Qatar Red Crescent also sent $70,000 immediate aid through the Philippine Red Cross.

Russia - the Emergency Situations Ministry sent 56 tons of humanitarian aid flown in by 2 Russian Air Force Il-76 transport planes to Cebu City. The aircraft arrived on November 14. The goods include canned goods of fish and meat, and sugar. Russia is also planning to send at least 200-men team from EMERCOM if a request is made by the Philippine government.

A Russian Air Force Ilyushin Il-76 transport plane leaves for the Cebu City, Philippines.
Photo taken from Russian Information Agency.

Singapore - initially provided S$200,000 in aid plus S$120,000 worth of relief goods from the Singapore Armed Forces. These relief goods were transported to Cebu using 2 C-130 Hercules from the Republic of Singapore Air Force. These planes were also requested by the Philippine government to assist in moving in personnel, goods and people from Manila to Cebu and Tacloban City. A team from Singapore's Civil Defense Force will also sent to Tacloban City to help coordinate in relief operations. There are also several pledges from the Singapore Red Cross and several Singapore-based companies and non-profit foundations and agencies for more financial and humanitarian goods aid.

Relief goods being unloaded from an RSAF C-130 Hercules aircraft in Mactan-Cebu Airport.
Photo taken from the Straits Times/Associated Press.

Evacuees from Tacloban City taking a queue to hitch on an RSAF C-130 Hercules bound for Manila.
Photo taken from defensetalk forums.

Spain - provided $1.8 million in humanitarian aid, and sent 2 Spanish Air Force transport planes bringing in relief goods.

South Korea - pledged to provide $5 million in comprehensive humanitarian aid and teams of emergency rescue workers, composed of 20 medical personnel, 14 paramedics and 4 staff members of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and 2 Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials. These aid and rescue teams are now in Tacloban City were assigned on disinfection work. A Republic of Korea Air Force C-130 Hercules was also sent to bring in the said personnel and 20 tons of relief items composed of blankets, tents, sanitary kits, and food.

Relief goods are loaded to a Republic of Korea Air Force C-130 Hercules for delivery to the Philippines on November 14, 2013.
Photo taken from Yonhap News.

The Korean Disaster Relief Team from KOICA already on the ground.
Photo taken from Yonhap News.

A ROKAF C-130 bringing in evacuees for a flight out of Tacloban City.
Photo taken from Korea.net.

Sweden - sent a Swedish Air Force C-130 Hercules full of relief supplies, and $3 million was also provided coursed through the United Nations. It also allowed the use of its C-130 aircraft to transport supplies and personnel to and from Tacloban City. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency also sent its personnel, together with base camp equipment for UN use, and a joint team and equipment coming in from Norway, Luxembourg, Denmark, Estonia and Finland. It has also pledged to send in more communications equipment.

A Swedish C-130 being loaded with humanitarian aid supply bound for the Philippines.
Photo taken from TT News Agency.

Switzerland - allocated $6.6 million for humanitarian assistance. A 1st batch of experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit arrived on November 10 to assess the requirements on the ground. A total of 20 personnel from the SHA are already concerntrating their efforts in northern Cebu and in Ormoc, Leyte. It has also shipped 21 tons of relief aid containing water purification and disinfection equipment, high capacity water reservoir, and distribution systems. It has also pledged to support the institutions like the International Committee of the Red Cross and United Nations by sending Swiss experts to these organizations and bringing in more financial contribution.

Taiwan - although recently embroiled with the Philippines due to territorial disputes at sea, the Taiwanese government provided relief assistance to the affected communities. The Taiwanese government provided $200,000 in aid and pledged to provide 99 tons of relief goods that will be brought in by 2 Republic of China Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft in several sorties.Relief aid includes food, water, blankets and tents. The Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) also sent a medical team on November 14 to coordinate with the Taiwanese communities in the affected areas. Another team from the Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps also arrived to provide medical services.

RoCAF C-130 Hercules aircraft being loaded with relief goods earmarked for the typhoon victims.
Photo taken from defensetalk forums.

RoCAF officer welcomed by Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, Commander, Central Command AFP, upon arrival in the Philippines to deliver relief goods and supplies for the typhoon victims.
Photo taken from defensetalk forums.

A ROCAF C-130 being unloaded of relief goods provided by the Taiwanese government.
Photo taken from Want China Times website.

Thailand - the Kingdom of Thailand pledged  $200,000 in aid, and sent several batches of airlifted aid. The 1st batch under instructions from Prime Minister Yingluck carried a field hospital facility and rescue sniffing dogs and a team from the Medical Emergency Response Team. The 2nd batch through Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn sent 2 Royal Thai Air Force C-130 Hercules transport planes to bring in 1,000 relief packages which arrived on November 12. The 3rd batch of relief aid coming from the Thai Royal Family upon the instructions of Princess Soamsawali, consisting of mechanical and powered water purifiers, tents, ready to eat meals, powdered milk bottles, personal toiletries, and pre-fabricated roofing materials and will arrive on November 18 and 20. The Ministry of Public Health also pledged to supply saline solutions, medicine, and other medical supplies worth $670,000. A standing offer was also made to send 2 Royal Thai navy ships, composed of the landing platform dock HTMS Angthong (LPD-791) and landing ship tank HTMS Sichang carrying rice, water, food items, medicine, water purifiers, and a Royal Thai Marines mechanic corps, 2 medical teams, heavy engineering equipment and support vehicles.

An RTAF C-130 Hercules being loaded with relief goods bound for the Visayas.
Photo taken from the Bangkok Post.

Turkey - the Turkish Red Crescent sent 65 tons of humanitarian aid consisting of tents, blankets, kitchen utensils, and other aid. It also sent a rescue team that will help in medical assistance works. The team and aid were brought in by a Turkish Airline Cargo Airbus A330 on November 12. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay also personally met with Philippine officials to discuss how Turkey could further help, and is expected to ship more aid in the coming days.

A Turkish Airline Cargo A330 similar to this was sent to bring in humanitarian aid and a rescue team.
Photo taken from Planespotters.net.

Besides the arrival of foot on the ground, relief aid and equipment, there are also countries which provided financial aid, listed as follows:

Bangladesh - pledged to donate $1 million to the Philippine government;

Brunei - provided 8,300kg of rice and 33,500 bottles of drinking water;

Cambodia - $100,000 pledge;

Czech Republic - CZK 4 million pledge;

Denmark - $2 million pledge through the United Nations;

Finland - EUR 1 million through the Finnish Red Cross to supply vaccines and medical packages;

Italy - made several donations, with EUR 300,000 coursed through the Red Cross, EUR 300,000 through the World Food Programme's Emergency Food Assistance, and also provided EUR 350,000 worth of humanitarian relief aid consisting of tents, blankets, water bottles, and water purifiers.

Ireland - EUR1.5 million from emergency funds;

Kuwait - $10 million through the Red Crescent Society;

Mexico - $1 million through the Red Cross;

Norway - NOK 20 million via the United Nations and Red Cross; recently increased to NOK 205 million;

Panama - $200,000 pledge;

Saudi Arabia - $10 million pledge as decreed by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud, in addition to the $10,000 pledge from Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud.

Slovakia - EUR20,000 pledge;

Slovenia - EUR60,000 through UNICEF;


Ukraine - provided relief goods consisting of food, water filters, power generators, mattresses, pillows, and disinfectant kits;

United Arab Emirates - $10 million worth of assistance ;

Vatican - $150,000 to be distributed to the local church;

Vietnam - $100,000 in financial aid


On behalf of the Filipinos all over the world, MaxDefense would like to thank all the countries and people that contributed for the victims of this unfortunate disaster, for the prayers and sacrifices made on behalf of the dead and those who survived, and the efforts to help rebuild the families and homes, the communities and livelihood for them to live renewed lives.

MaxDefense will try to update this blog page once in a while to cover the aid drive provided by nations around the world, as well as other updates regarding the disaster and relief / rebuilding operations.