SAF aircraft completes delivery of aid supplies to Typhoon Yagi-hit Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos
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Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) personnel unloading the humanitarian aid supplies from the C-130 transport plane in Vientiane, Laos.
PHOTO: MINDEF
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SINGAPORE – The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) on Sept 20 completed its delivery of humanitarian aid supplies to Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos, three of its fellow Asean countries that are still recovering from Typhoon Yagi-triggered destruction.
Three of the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) aircraft – an A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport and two C-130 transport planes – flew 12 sorties to complete the deliveries from Sept 18 to 20.
Around 35 tonnes of supplies were sent by the RSAF to the three countries, with the SAF’s Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre (RHCC) gathering a total of 20 tonnes from SAF’s own stockpile and various local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including Humanity Matters and the Singapore Red Cross.
Other supplies, which included items like hygiene kits, water filters and meal packs, were contributed by Asean’s Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).
Singapore’s Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen said he was pleased with the coordination between RHCC, AHA Centre and the other Singapore NGOs.
He said: “Once again, we witness how the SAF’s readiness to deploy for operations on short notice directly translates to important and effective outcomes, whether it’s for humanitarian and disaster relief or if ever the need arises, combat missions.
“I hope the supplies go some way to bring comfort and support to those affected by Typhoon Yagi.”
Yagi swept across northern Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar
Vietnam, with nearly 300 casualties,
More than 290 have died in Myanmar, with around 90 missing and 100,000 farm animals reportedly killed by the deluge of floods that also submerged rice and other crops.
At least four have died in Laos, with damaged vital infrastructure threatening the livelihoods of local communities.
