Royal Navy ship HMS Daring arrives in Philippines

Royal Navy ship HMS Daring arrives in Philippines

5:15pm Sunday 17th November 2013 inNewsBy Daily Echo Reporter

Royal Navy ship arrives in Philippines

A ROYAL Navy ship has arrived in the Philippines carrying two Hampshire men who will play a part in the relief effort.

HMS Daring reached the Asian country earlier today to help survivors of Typhoon Haiyan which has claimed the lives of around 4,000 people so far and devastated communities in its path.

On board are Southampton helicopter Lieutenant Hamish Walker and Swanwick sailor Chief Petty Officer Cy Curzon.

On his first humanitarian mission pilot Lt Walker, 30, and his team will be providing life saving supplies by Lynx helicopter, which will carry loads and transport people, equipment and supplies around.

Chief Petty Officer Curzon, 36, will be managing an onshore operations room as well as allocating resources.

This will involve collecting information from people on the ground and plotting it on a board so commanders can decide where to allocate manpower and equipment.

Up to 11 million people have been affected by the worst storm on record to hit the islands and aid agencies are still struggling to get help through to those in desperate need.

Many countries have pledged funds to the area, including the UK.

The Disasters Emergency Committee said today that its charity appeal had reached £35million as the public responded to the disaster.

In addition the British Government has pledged £50million in aid.