The United States is now actively assisting in the relief operations in Batanes, which was severely affected by Typhoon Julian.
US forces have sent equipment and personnel to support ongoing relief efforts in the province.
According to the Philippine Air Force, two KC-130J Hercules aircraft from the US III Marine Expeditionary Force arrived at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City yesterday.
The aircraft took off from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.
Onboard were essential equipment and personnel ready to aid in the relief operations in Batanes.
Typhoon Julian caused P551.81 million worth of damage to the agricultural sector.
Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco reported that 2,463 houses were totally damaged, while 40% were partially damaged.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and US forces collaborated with local government units to ensure swift and effective relief operations.
The JUSMAG team and personnel from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) also coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Their goal is to efficiently distribute foreign disaster relief supplies to the affected communities.
