In Philippines, Ban Pledges Solidarity with People of Typhoon-Hit Tacloban
New York, Dec 21 2013 - Visiting the storm-ravaged Philippine city of Tacloban, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hailed the
resilience of the people and pledged the commitment of the United Nations to keep working with the Government to "build
back better and safer" all the communities devastated by super Typhoon Haiyan, which ripped through the archipelago a
little over a month ago.
"I'm deeply saddened and humbled by what I have seen -- the immense loss of life and total destruction," said the UN
chief during a press conference after touring the area.
He said that while pleased by the community's warm welcome, his heart was heavy; the tragic suffering of the people and
the utter devastation left in the wake of the storm was "hard to describe."
Tacloban suffered the brunt of Typhoon Haiyan, which swept ashore in the Philippines on 8 November and has been called
the strongest such storm to ever touch land. It left nearly 6,000 people dead and displaced millions, affecting close to
14 million people overall.
"As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I'm here to convey my strongest solidarity and that of the United Nations
and the international community," Mr. Ban said, adding that while the people of Tacloban and other communities were
dealt a terrible blow, "it can be overcome when we are united. I am here to bring that unity and solidarity to all of
your people."
"My message to the Filipino people is: never despair. The United Nations is behind you. The world is behind you,"
declared Mr. Ban.
Noting that the United Nations was among the first to respond in the aftermath of the typhoon, he said the Organization
had deployed high-ranking officials and hardworking staff who "have been working day and night with all of their
people."
The Secretary-General appreciated and commended the "very courageous leadership" of Philippines President Benigno Simeon
C. Aquino III, his ministers and his team who have been courageously addressing the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ban said, the UN will continue to mobilize resources, including nearly $800 million over 12 months,
announced last week as part of the Organization's broader humanitarian response strategy for 2014.
"This will be just to complement what your people, your Government, will do. We will try to provide life-saving support
-- water, sanitation, food, and shelter -- and also a long-term development strategy," he said, explaining that while
the Government is responsible for resettlement, reintegration, and infrastructure, the UN and the Filipino authorities
"will work [together] very closely".
Turning to a assess the broader implications, the Secretary-General said that at this time, it may be very difficult to
attribute one single storm to the climate change phenomenon. Yet, the intensity, severity and magnitude of the
destruction and frequency of natural disasters, extreme weather patterns, indicate clearly what international scientists
have been saying: that it may be a man-made disaster because climate change has been caused by human beings.
"Then, the solution must be found by human beings. That's why I am here," said the UN chief, noting that he discussed
[this] at length with President Aquino this morning, how the UN and its Member States, including the Philippines, can
work together to strengthen the world's capacity to reduce disasters.
While storms like Haiyan might not be prevented, "at least we can reduce and minimize the loss of life, the damage of
our properties, valuable properties. That's what I'm going to [sound the] alarm [to] the world again, send out strong
messages to the world, and I'll try to … have the world focus, on reconstruction and resettlement of your country and of
your community."
He thanked Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Leyte province Governor Dominico Petilla and all leaders, the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and ministers in Tacloban for their hard work. He also commended the hard work of
all the people now clearing debris.
In addition, Mr. Ban said many international organizations are sending their helping hands to the area, with at least
180 international partners already there, and some 25 nations already proving engineering and military rescue teams. "I
really appreciate their very noble generous support. This is what we need to do for humanity," he added.
The UN chief said that despite the devastation, he was heartened to see that the people of Tacloban are returning to
their normal lives, businesses are coming back, "and people are working hard, people are united."
"You cannot do [this] alone. Maybe the United Nations cannot do [this] alone. We need support from all the Member
States… your country and neighbouring countries and the world," said Mr. Ban, pledging to keep the world focused on the
recovery effort in the Philippines.
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
ENDS