AFP tapping over 12,000 troops for typhoon relief operations as ‘Mawar’ nears

  (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said it will tap over 12,000 tropps to assist in the  humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) in areas expected to be affected by the approaching super typhoon Mawar.

“Vehicles and personnel are already being prepared to assist in the mandatory evacuation of residents in vulnerable areas. Air and naval assets are also on standby for deployment for future aerial assessment, transport, and evacuation operations,” the AFP said in a statement.

 A total of 2,518 land transportation assets, 20 air assets and 265 maritime assets will likewise be deployed for the HADR operations. 

“Additional troops and assets will be committed when necessary,” the AFP added.

The super typhoon is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility by Friday night, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Once it enters the PAR, the typhoon will be given the local name “Betty.”

It would be the second storm to hit the country this year and the first this month.

Pagasa said “Mawar” is moving west northwest at 15 kilometers per hour (kph) with maximum sustained winds of 195 kph and gustiness of up to 240 kph.

Mawar may also reach a peak intensity of 215 km/h by Sunday, according to the weather bureau.

 gsg