UN chief visits storm-ravaged Philippine city

TACLOBAN – United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon was welcomed today (Dec 21) with Christmas songs sung by children who lost their homes as he toured a central Philippine city devastated by a super typhoon that killed more than 6,100 people last month.

Mr Ban flew to Tacloban on central Leyte island after meeting President Benigno Aquino III and other officials in Manila to discuss recovery efforts.

Typhoon Haiyan slammed ashore Nov 8 as one of the strongest storms on record with fierce winds and tsunami-like storm surges that flattened entire towns. More than 1,700 people are still listed as missing and more than 4 million others have lost their homes.

Mr Ban, wearing a dark blue cap, a khaki shirt and rubber shoes, visited a school where dozens of children waiting for him sang “Jingle Bells” inside a white UN-donated tent, where he joined them in clapping and swaying to the music.

“Please hold on. Don’t despair. We have come to help you,” he told the children.

More than 200 heavily-armed police provided security from the airport to the school. Ban’s flight was delayed because of poor visibility and overcast skies.

Along the road, the UN chief passed by scenes of devastation — fallen trees, upturned vehicles, shattered houses and mounds of debris. Tent encampments have replaced houses that were swept away by the storm surge.

Mr Ban stopped briefly to inspect a temporary model house made of wood.

His visit follows a UN appeal early this week for US$791 million (S$1 billion) for critical food assistance, clean water and shelter for typhoon victims.

A UN statement said about 30 per cent, or US$237 million, has already been raised.

Mr Aquino earlier this week appealed for international aid, saying that the devastation caused US$12.9 billion in damage. AP