Clinton to discuss more aid for storm-stricken Philippines

Clinton is scheduled to arrive Thursday in the Philippines, where tens of thousands remain crammed in evacuation shelters after successive storms since late September left 1,128 people dead.

“She'll be very interested in hearing from government how relief and recovery is going: what are the next steps,” U.S. ambassador Kristie Kenney told local television, commenting on the topics Clinton would likely discuss with President Gloria Arroyo when the two women meet. “She'll be very interested in seeing people who have suffered and how they are getting back on their feet, how has our aid helped, and what more we can do,” Kenney said.

“I'm sure she'll want to contribute,” Kenney said when asked if more U.S. aid could be expected.

The United States was among the first countries to contribute to an international appeal for funds to help the Philippines. U.S. troops also helped pluck people from rooftops and submerged homes.

Tropical storm Ketsana dumped a month's worth of rain in just a matter of hours, causing the heaviest flooding in more than 40 years in Manila and outlying areas on Sept. 26.

Exactly a week later, Typhoon Parma lashed the north, causing massive flooding and landslides and devastating large agricultural lands. A third storm, Typhoon Lupit, spared the country in late October, changing course at the last minute. But Typhoon Mirinae slammed into Luzon days later.

Altogether, the storms killed 1,128 people, with more than 130,000 people still living in evacuation centers. Many others have returned to their homes, although large areas south and east of Manila remain flooded.

Kenney said Clinton may also briefly discuss with Arroyo a 1999 defense treaty that has allowed for large-scale joint military training.

She noted that the treaty allowed both sides to jointly deploy troops in the immediate aftermath of the typhoons to clear roads and carry out medical missions.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email