Quote Originally Posted by Terpe View Post
I think the UK's pledge is pretty good. Especially when compared with what other countries are pledging. I believe 2nd only to UAE
UK has also mobilised over 500 emergency specialists on the ground.

The biggest issue is to rapidly organise and direct resources so as to avoid waste and duplication as happened in Haiti.
It's a huge logistical challenge.
Clean water...that's clearly needed.
Medicines.
But think for a moment about the food and the distribution. Not easy.
There's really no much choice for distribution centres.
Care needs to be taken on the type of food sent. It's no good sending food that needs cooking...there's no facility to cook.

There's a lot of money going in from around the world.
First response is not about money. Philippines has money. It's about logistics and specialist organisation and a single directions 'hub' control centre.
Specialist vehicles also needed.
I heard on the news that UK has over 200 Initial Emergency Responders moving around on Motorbikes to provide information on needs and access.
Many of these folks travelled into the storm track areas prior to it hitting land just so they were on the ground in the immediate aftermath. What courage they have.

So many areas, towns and villages still waiting to be contacted. Who know what ever happened to those poor souls.

It takes time to overcome the issues around infrastructure and the fact that there are islands involved.

Sorry I'll not continue. Just don't want to hear any negatives just now.
Apologies not required Peter.....You are right of course, best not to go down the negative line.

I appreciate our Government are fronting up more cash than the others Ded has mentioned but, bear in mind, that £6 million probably wouldn't be enough to buy a family house in their streets.

The logistical help the British and others are providing, as Peter points out, far outweighs the financial aspect