China offers assistance to typhoon-hit Philippines

MANILA -- China and 10 other countries have offered assistance to the Philippines in relief operations since typhoon Ruby hit Eastern Visayas of the country's central part on Saturday night, a senior Philippine military official said on Sunday.

Apart from China, Australia, Japan, the United States, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Britain have also signified their intention to assist the Philippines, according to Philippine Armed Forces Chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang.

"As regards the Multinational Coordinating Center (MNCC), we have already activated it. They are on board," Catapang said.

The MNCC was first activated when typhoon Yolanda devastated Eastern Visayas in November last year.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director Alexander Pama said the assistance offered includes personnel, resources and relief goods.

"We are now assessing the damages and on the base of protocols and policies, those assistance will be provided in accordance of the needs," said Pama.

The NDRRMC said on Sunday there was no casualty so far reported due to typhoon Ruby which however toppled electricity and communication lines in several provinces, leaving over 700,000 persons to evacuation centers.