The United States will send an aircraft carrier and other Navy ships along with 20 million dollars in emergency humanitarian aid to the Philippines, officials said in Washington Monday, dpa reported.
Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel ordered the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to depart Hong Kong Monday and "make best speed for the Republic of the Philippines," spokesman George Little said.
The ship with some 5,000 sailors and 80 aircraft is to be accompanied by five other ships to provide humanitarian assistance, supplies and medical care. They were expected to arrive in the Philippines within 48-72 hours, Little said.
The US Agency for International Development said it would provide 20 million dollars in relief, including shelter materials and hygiene kits, and 55 metric tons of food. A shipment of plastic sheeting, soap, toothbrushes, toilet paper, and sanitary supplies for 10,000 families was already on its way, with more supplies to follow, the agency said.