MACTAN AIR BASE, MACTAN, Cebu, Nov. 16 (PNA) — Air traffic in Cebu was at its heaviest Friday as aircraft of various shapes and sizes continue to arrive to ferry tons of relief goods and aid workers on a mission to help victims of super typhoon Yolanda.
At least 15 aircraft from 10 different countries landed at this air force base a full week after the monstrous typhoon devastated the country, particularly in central Philippines.
Among those that landed Friday was an Indian Air Force C-130 cargo plane carrying 20 tons of food, tents, blankets, medicines and other goods.
Indian Defense Attaché Vineet McCarty said they will leave it to the Philippine government to distribute the relief goods they brought for the affected residents due to the super typhoon.
“As of now we are bringing in relief goods and as to when the Philippine will request for more assistance we are ready,” he said.
Sandeep Singh Jaggi, First Secretary of the Indian Embassy, said Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had sent a letter to President Benigno S. Aquino III expressing sympathy and condolences from the people of India.
“We did this on our own because of the good relationship between us and the Philippines. Nobody requested for this,” Jaggi said.
Three C-130s from South Korea also arrived Friday, carrying 41 doctors, nurses and rescue volunteers.
Korean Consul Chin Hyun Yong said the team of doctors, nurses and rescue volunteers will proceed to Tacloban after undergoing immigration formalities in Mactan.
Volunteers from Germany also arrived Friday bringing along water purifiers and a mobile water-testing laboratory, which they will take to the affected areas in Bogo and San Remigio in northern Cebu.
The German Red Cross also brought in 50 tons of relief goods. (PNA)
JBP/EB