General Chat

Said on BBC news tonight that this was the worst storm in recorded history. It was over 200mph without the extra gusts which were 235-240mph. We were worried last week when we had 60mph and gusts of up to 100mph in IOWight. Several died, loads of property and vehicle damage.

I have to apologise - I shall never rely on Auntie Beeb again.
Their reporter certainly said the plane had arrived empty and gave the impression it was USA citizens being evacuated.

This morning I opened my paper (haven't had time to read it all - was out all day) and there were photos of local people and accounts of them being evacuated (to I assume other parts of the country) which are safer.

But if there are parts not hit by the storm then surely some provisions could be flown in on the return journey - unless as Liz says - supply of petrol could be the issue.

We moan about our weather but we are fortunate in that we do not suffer the strength of typhoons/earthquakes which occur in other parts of the world.

We do have a lot to be thankful for.

Maybe if it were loaded on the way in, it would have used more fuel and they wouldn't have had enough to get the people away safely. There may not be enough aircraft fuel to go round on the Philippines.

Lizx

I agree with you, Chris. If they were going to send a plane to take US citizens away, why not fill it with essentials.
Working out what may be needed isn't rocket science - water and rice to begin with!! Tents wouldn't go amiss either.

No doubt a committee is needed so the most publicity can be made out of the situation in the very carefully contrived 'rush' to help the people.

"The aircraft carrier USS George Washington is headed toward the region with massive amounts of water and food, but the Pentagon said it won't arrive until Thursday. The U.S. also said it is providing $20 million in immediate aid."

The problem is getting it distributed. "Damaged roads and other infrastructure are complicating the relief efforts. Government officials and police and army officers are in many cases among the victims themselves, hampering coordination. ...."

Truly awful situation.

RR - does not take a lot of imagination that they need water/rice/shelter/medical supplies if just a starting point.

On same news a chopper pilot said they could not use choppers as one was mobbed by crowds when it landed and crew put in danger.

I know it is not easy when infrastructure has broken down but an empty plane??? :-(

I have donated already.

Yes supplies are being flown out by Oxfam and DEC (Disaster Emergency Committee)....its take a few days to co-ordinate such a massive project, but getting people out of the country has been happening for a few days. Special and positive thoughts to all who have been affected.

Look on the Oxfam site to help with donations:)

jude xx

US planes/ helicopters are already there, but not as yet with aid as what is needed hadn't been fully assessed ( they said on news yesterday) they are providing an invaluable service though as the aircraft on the Philipines can't reach the remoter areas as they can't carry enough fuel to get there and back.

edit they are flying supplies out from here on Friday I believe.

I have never been so disgusted as I am tonight. Watching the news report given by a BBC reporter in the Philippines who pointed out the arrival of a USAF plane and passed comment that it looked as if aid was beginning to arrive.

Some time later - the camera focused on this plane and the large ramp was down and a queue of people there.
Apparently this plane arrived EMPTY to evactuate USA citizens.

Surely compassion would have seen this plane take out urgent supplies to this country instead of flying empty.