American troops on exercise in the Philippines yesterday sent food and medical supplies to areas still struggling with the aftermath of severe storms. More than 600 people have died following the arrival of Tropical Storm Ketsana last month and Typhoon Parma, which struck on 3 October.
Rescuers remain hopeful of finding more survivors in the stricken north of the country after pulling six people from landslides. But with roads blocked and bridges washed away, the government's resources have been stretched to the limits and a request for US military assistance was made.
The disaster has displaced about a million people and killed 337 in the capital, Manila, and surrounding provinces. More than 287,000 remain in evacuation centres. |