Australia to donate military landing craft to Philippines
Updated: 2015-02-02 11:15
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
![]() |
Divers take a part in an effort to recover a ship brought inland by Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban, January 15, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
CANBERRA - Australia will donate two military landing craft to the Philippines in an effort to help the country cope with increased relief efforts following Super Typhoon Haiyan.
The pair of former Royal Australian Navy vessels, which had both previously been decommissioned, will undergo a complete refurbishment before being sent to the Philippines in May this year.
The Philippine Navy will then use the vessels to aid humanitarian assistance as the country continues to struggle with the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan.
The storm, which hit the Philippines in November 2013, left more than 7,350 people dead or missing, with entire towns and villages destroyed.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy's lack of resources and funding has meant that relief processes have been slowed dramatically, with the government desperately calling on foreign allies to provide assistance.
Australia has opted to donate its two vessels, which are designed to carry heavy supplies, and could also hand over a further three Australian landing craft which were deemed surplus to requirement in 2012.
Australian Defense Minister Kevin Andrews described the benefits that the two vessels would provide to the Philippines.
"The landing craft will greatly improve the Philippines' ability to respond to natural disasters by enabling heavy equipment and large amounts of aid to be moved to affected areas," Andrews said in a statement on Monday. "I expect the vessels will be refitted and ready for handover in May 2015."
Related Stories
Death toll from tropical storm rises to 35 in Philippines 2014-12-31 11:40
China offers assistance to typhoon-hit Philippines 2014-12-07 19:48
Philippines marks first anniversary of typhoon Haiyan 2014-11-07 14:36
Today's Top News
EU prolongs sanctions against Russia
Italy's presidential election begins
China's port project in Greece not affected
Royal Mail Chairman to step down
Trial finds GSK Ebola shot safe, with immune response
Russian Delegation stripped of voting rights at PACE
China and Greece 'willing to continue cooperation'
China hails German leaders' call to remember history
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|