US sends aid, troops to help Typhoon Julian victims

The United States government is providing emergency aid and air transport support to the Philippines following the devastation caused by Typhoon Julian.

US Marines have sent personnel and equipment via two KC-130J Hercules aircraft from Okinawa, Japan, which arrived at Villamor Air Base in Manila on Saturday afternoon to assist with relief efforts in Batanes.

The humanitarian assistance includes 1,000 family food packs, 1,000 shelter repair kits, 2,500 tarpaulins, and 1,000 kitchen sets coordinated through the US Department of Defense Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid Program.

US military support complements the USD500,000 or approximately PHP28 million in aid provided by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Typhoon Julian left five people dead and caused P551.81 million in agricultural damage in Batanes, where around 60% of affected homes were totally damaged and 40% partially damaged due to restrictions on building materials.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. expressed gratitude for the US government's timely assistance, emphasizing its importance as aid reaches severely impacted areas.

Relief operations also coincide with joint military exercises focused on aerial drop operations and rescue missions involving Philippine and Japanese forces.