The Philippines' Humanitarian Response to Cyclone Nargis

UNCLAS MANILA 001164 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/MLS AARON COPE STATE PASS USAID E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID SOCI PREL RP SUBJECT: The Philippines' Humanitarian Response to Cyclone Nargis REF: STATE 48651 ¶1. Per reftel request, Mission contacted the Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council, which stated that the Philippine Department of Health formed a 15-person medical staff, to immediately go to Burma once Burmese government officials allow the team to enter. Further, the Philippine government will contribute a logistical coordinator from the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development and a public health professional from the Philippine Department of health to join the ASEAN Emergency Rapid Assessment Team. The ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management is coordinating visas for the team members. The Committee told the team members that they will leave for Burma in 48 hours (which started yesterday). However, as of this afternoon, the team has not received visas. ¶2. Three Philippine National Red Cross staff members are now in Burma. Their entry was facilitated by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. KENNEY