Typhoon-hit Philippines appreciate Thailand's assistance

BANGKOK, November 20 (TNA) - Manila has expressed its appreciation to assistance from Thailand for victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan. AM Roy O Deveraturda, the central commander of the Lapu-Lapu camp in the Philippines, told Thai News Agency (TNA) in a special interview that the government and citizens of the Philippines deeply appreciate assistance from Thailand and will not forget about the friendship offered in this hard time of the Philippines regarding subsequent losses from recent Super Typhoon Haiyan. According to the Philippine commander, the situation has been, however, improving and he is glad that the world community, including Thailand, is helping the Philippines at the best. Cebu Airport is the center of assistance for other countries to deliver relief supplies and personnel assistance to the Philippines, as Super Typhoon Haiyan did not damage the airport and it is located near the typhoon-stricken provinces of Leyte and Samar. Meanwhile, Captain Surasak Injamnong, Acting Thai Military Attaché in Manila, told TNA what the Philippine government urgently needs for its typhoon victims are food, drinking water and medicines, noting that the international community, including Thailand, is helping the Philippines but the assistance has not reached all affected areas because they are vast. Captain Surasak said as of November 19, 2013, the official death toll from Super Typhoon Haiyan amounted to 3,976 people, 18,175 others were injured and 1,598 others went missing, while total damage was initially estimated at 242 million US dollars. Captain Surasak acknowledged Cebu City was hit by Super Typhoon Haiyan only in its northern and eastern parts, while Leyte and Samar were the hardest hit areas. Supplies from other countries have been transported by air to Tacloban City and local soldiers have loaded them on trucks for distribution to affected victims at various locations. (TNA)