LONDON
British Prime Minister David Cameron announced late Monday that the UK would send a British Royal Navy warship and RAF military transport aircraft to typhoon-hit Philippines in order to provide further assisstance for the victims in the country.
Speaking at the Lord Mayor's Banquet in capital London, Cameron said that the UK aid package to the country hit by Typhoon Haiyan would also be increased from 6 million GBP to 10 million GBP.
Cameron said, "Britain is contributing 10 million GBP and HMS Daring, currently deployed near Singapore, will shortly be heading at full speed towards the disaster zone with further support from an RAF C-17 which will be a powerful help to the relief operation."
It was added that the cost of the military assistance would be covered by the UK's disaster relief fund.
According to a statement released from the Department for International Development (DFID) that a Royal Navy warship "HMS Daring" launched in 2006, and its crew would be providing humanitarian assistance, also having a Lynx helicopter on board, engineering and first-aid expertise. It was added that the ship was also equipped to make drinking water from seawater.
The statement noted that Britain's aid would include life saving supplies such as temporary shelters, blankets and water purification tablets through partner agencies. DFID humanitarian experts have been deployed to the Philippines to help coordinate the international responsepromises.
Latest reports state that millions of Filipinos across the country have been affected by the typhoon. It is feared that the death toll will hit thousands. Most of the victims are struggling to find food, potable water and accomodation. Some international relief support, including aircrafts loaded with aid, has been provided. Moreover, rescue workers still struggle to reach some areas affected since the storm.
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