Navy to bring 220 tons of relief goods to Urduja-affected areas

The Philippine Navy is now readying its newest landing dock and largest vessel to bring 220 tons of food and non-food relief items to Tacloban City and other areas in the Visayas region affected by Tropical Storm Urduja.

Captain Lued Lincuna, Navy spokesperson, said Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Tarlac (LD601) will be bringing hygiene kits, medical kits, mosquito nets, plastic mats (bedding) and solar lamps consolidated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Lincuna said the vessel will depart Pier 13 in South Harbor, Manila once the loading of relief items is complete and the sea condition has improved for navigation.

Urduja left 41 people dead and 41 others missing. But authorities are verifying if the casualty count had risen to 45 dead and 46 missing.

Tropical Storm Vinta is now over the Mindanao area. State weather forecasters have warned against sea travel saying it remains risky over the seaboards of areas under tropical cyclone warning signal.

Lincuna said BRP Tarlac is among the most recent acquisitions of the Philippine Navy which allows the command to efficiently fulfill its duties in the area of humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).

He added it is a manifestation of the Navy being always ready and committed in providing prompt assistance to disaster-stricken residents. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News