The UK’s first flight delivering urgently needed humanitarian aid to the typhoon-struck Philippines has arrived, the Government has said.
A chartered Boeing 777 carrying 8,836 shelter kits from UK Government stores in Dubai landed in the city of Cebu and was met by Department for International Development (DFID) humanitarian workers.
The shelter kits each consist of plastic sheeting, rope and rope tensioners to keep a family of five sheltered from the elements.
They will be delivered to international children’s charity World Vision for distribution in the worst-affected areas of the Philippines following the destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan.
It is the first of several UK-funded humanitarian flights scheduled to fly from Dubai and the UK in the coming days as part of the UK’s response to the disaster, a DFID spokesman said.
They will help deliver forklift trucks, cutting equipment, 4x4s and other kit to help clear and reopen runways and roads.
It will enable the delivery to 300,000 people of life-saving supplies including blankets, water purification tablets, buckets, soap and sanitary items to prevent the spread of disease.
International Development Secretary Justine Greening said: “UK humanitarian aid is now on the ground to be distributed urgently to the people who need it.
“It will be followed rapidly by other basics like food and water purification kits, and the equipment needed to clear the way to get that aid to hard-to-reach communities.”
It comes after Ms Greening agreed with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) that the first £5 million donated by members of the public to the appeal will be matched by the Government.
The Government had already committed £10 million in aid, so the additional £5 million commitment will increase the UK’s support to £15 million in total.
A team of British medical experts, a Royal Navy warship and an RAF transport aircraft are also heading to the stricken nation.
Prime Minister David Cameron described the scenes of devastation caused by the powerful storm as “heartbreaking”.
The Queen has sent a message expressing her “heartfelt condolences” to those affected.