UN exec notes ‘encouraging’ recovery
A typhoon survivor stands on rubbish in Tacloban, central Philippines on Dec. 8, 2013. AP
MANILA, Philippines — The top United Nations humanitarian official in Manila noted “encouraging” recovery in typhoon-stricken Eastern Visayas a month after the devastation wrought by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan).
Luiza Carvalho, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in the Philippines, nevertheless called on the international community to continue providing assistance to affected families that have been lacking in sufficient food, clean water, shelter and other necessities.
Carvalho cited a marked improvement in Tacloban City where the monster storm eradicated much of its infrastructure and killed thousands.
“Visiting Tacloban today, I see big differences from my first visit almost one month ago. The airport is operational, fuel is available, the water system is reconnected, people are receiving assistance and the town hall is functioning,” Carvalho said in a statement.
“It is encouraging to see significant progress in such a short space of time but we need to remember there is a long road ahead,” she said.
UN agencies have been working closely with the government to bring life-saving aid to some 15 million affected people across central Philippines, particularly to some 4 million displaced residents.
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