Haiyan typhoon: KP1M humanitarian team arrives in Tacloban

Volunteers from Kelab Putera 1Malaysia (KP1M), including doctors and media people, who are on a humanitarian mission to assist the victims of Haiyan Typhoon, arrived here at 6.30pm (local time) Wednesday.

The flight using two Charlie C-130 aircraft carrying 30 tonnes of foodstuff and medicines, arrived at Tacloban Airport which was also damaged by the typhoon.

It was dark at the airport due to the power supply disruption since Tacloban city was hit by the devastating typhoon last Friday.

Only some lights were on, from power supply coming from the generators to enable the authorities to manage the humanitarian aid received from various countries including the United States.

It is understood that Tacloban Airport is now being used as a collection centre for humanitarian aid received from all over the world, besides being the place for the typhoon victims from nearby areas to seek shelter and wait for aid or for the chance of being taken out of this city.

Also arriving here with the 30 volunteers from KP1M, led by its president Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, were members of the Malaysian Armed Forces health inspectorate to analyse the situation for the purpose of providing further aid.

There were long queues of victims waiting for aid or to be transported out of this city.

Besides experiencing electricity supply disruptions, the victims also have little access to communication.

The relief volunteers have been advised to spend the night at the airport for security reason.