UN World Food Program relief operation in RP intensified

MANILA, Philippines - The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) is expanding its relief operation in the Philippines, aiming to reach one million people with food aid this month to help them cope with the effects of tropical storm “Ondoy.”

The WFP is beginning to distribute almost 750 metric tons of rice in the worst hit areas, including Metro Manila.

“This is a catastrophe for the people of the Philippines and our hearts go out to them,” said WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran.

The Philippine government has already launched a massive relief operation and has asked for international assistance. The WFP is helping authorities make sure that storm victims receive food and other essential supplies.

The WFP is also lending helicopters and boats to help the government conduct relief operations in remote areas, rescue displaced persons, and assess damage to infrastructure.

Earlier this week, a UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination team found that poor drainage systems and garbage disposal problems in the Philippines aggravated the impact of the killer storm.

With a new typhoon entering the country, United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes said a “sustained food aid will be needed since large tracts of agricultural lands have been ruined.”

Some 8.5 million people lie in the path of super typhoon “Pepeng,” with 1.8 million people in areas where winds are expected to reach hurricane strength.

UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (EXCAP) Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer said the disaster underscores the urgency for progress in climate change talks, which are now underway in Bangkok.

“Climate change will only increase the magnitude and frequency of weather-related disasters,” Heyzer said.