The HTMS Sichang
(foreground) and HTMS Angthong (background) are loaded and on their way
to help relief efforts in the Philippines.
Patcharapol Panrak
Thailand joined the international flotilla coming to the aid of the
disaster-stricken Philippines, sending engineers, trucks and food to
victims of Typhoon Haiyan.
Adm. Narong Phipatanasai announced the dispatch of the HTMS Angthong and
HTMS Sichang from Sattahip Naval Base Nov. 14. The Angthong carried
marines from the Royal Thai Navy’s 1st Engineering Division along with
road-clearing equipment, heavy trucks, temporary shelters and two mobile
medical units. The Sichang carried 500 tons of rice, electric pumps,
machines to produce fresh water and two helicopters.
The ships will take a week to arrive in the Philippines and troops will
spend seven days on the ground.
Likely the strongest cyclone ever to hit land, super typhoon Haiyan had
officially killed 3,976 Filipinos with authorities estimating another
10,000 may have died. Worst affected were the islands of Leyte and
Samar, with cataclysmic damage. Many areas remained inaccessible a week
after the Nov. 7 storm and many still had no food or shelter.
