In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Kristine (also referred to as Trami), which recently caused severe flooding and landslides across the Philippines, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has initiated a major Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission to provide critical support to affected areas. This operation sees the deployment of an EC 725 AP helicopter from No. 5 Squadron, stationed at Labuan Air Base, Malaysia, a testament to the Malaysian government’s unwavering commitment to regional humanitarian assistance and cooperation.
The RMAF’s intervention follows widespread devastation in several Philippine regions, with the death toll rising and many areas remaining submerged under floodwaters or blocked off by landslides. The helicopter mission, led by Major Thaddeus Raphael ak Azis @ Sait, is a collaborative effort between Malaysia and the Philippines to bring swift relief to those hardest hit by the storm.
Tropical Storm Kristine made landfall earlier this week, sweeping through the Philippines with powerful winds, torrential rainfall, and an unforgiving onslaught of flash floods and landslides. According to reports from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the storm brought winds of up to 110 kilometers per hour, coupled with rains that fell at a rate of over 100 millimeters per hour in some areas.
The hardest-hit regions include Calabarzon, Bicol, and the Cordillera Administrative Region, where the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has confirmed numerous fatalities and significant infrastructural damage. In a recent statement, OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno noted that “a total of 81 deaths have been reported by our regional offices,” but he added that this figure is still subject to confirmation, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) assisting in verifying that each fatality is directly storm-related.
The storm’s aftermath saw entire villages flooded, roads rendered impassable, and communities isolated due to landslides. Many residents have been forced to evacuate to temporary shelters, while emergency response teams grapple with the scale of destruction.
The EC 725 AP helicopter, deployed by the RMAF, left Malaysia’s Labuan Air Base at 7:00 AM and is expected to reach Manila’s Villamor Air Base after a five-and-a-half-hour flight, with a scheduled refueling stop at Antonio Bautista Air Base. The helicopter carries a team of 15 members, each playing a critical role in the relief efforts.
- Two pilots and one co-pilot: to manage safe operations and efficient routes over challenging terrain.
- Two engineering officers and five technicians: to ensure the helicopter’s performance and handle repairs as needed.
- Four RMAF Special Forces (PASKAU) members: specializing in high-stakes rescue operations, equipped with skills in emergency first response and tactical support.
Villamor Air Base will serve as the central coordination hub for the mission, facilitating quick deployment to regions most severely impacted. The Philippine government has designated specific locations for relief supply drops, including Pili Airport in Naga City and Daraga Albay International Airport, which are in proximity to some of the hardest-hit communities.
The deployment of the RMAF helicopter underscores Malaysia’s dedication to offering timely and effective aid to its regional neighbors. According to an official statement from the RMAF’s social media, this HADR mission is a symbol of solidarity and the Malaysian government’s broader commitment to international disaster response efforts.
As of the latest updates from the OCD, the confirmed death toll stands at 81, though the final count may still increase as the Philippine National Police continues its confirmation process. The regions most affected.
- Calabarzon: 48 fatalities, primarily from incidents of severe flooding and landslides.
- Bicol Region: 28 fatalities, with local authorities struggling to reach remote villages cut off by the disaster.
- Cordillera Administrative Region: two confirmed fatalities due to landslides in mountainous terrain.
- Other areas: one death each in Ilocos, Central Luzon, and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Further compounding the crisis, 34 people are still reported missing. Many of these individuals are feared to be buried beneath landslides or swept away by flash floods. Nepomuceno expressed concern for the missing, stating, “We hope to find them alive, but many may have fallen victim to landslides.”
Search-and-rescue operations continue, although challenging weather and damaged infrastructure have hindered rescue teams’ ability to reach all affected areas. Reports from survivors depict a desperate situation in some regions, with limited access to clean water, food, and medical supplies.
The Philippine government has declared a state of calamity in the worst-hit provinces, mobilizing resources from both local and national levels. Various government agencies, along with the Philippine Armed Forces and the Philippine Red Cross, have been conducting non-stop relief operations. However, the scale of the disaster has prompted requests for international assistance.
Malaysia is among the first countries to respond, with the RMAF mission acting as a cornerstone of regional solidarity and cooperation. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has also expressed its readiness to provide further assistance, with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) monitoring the situation closely.
Neighboring countries, including Japan and South Korea, have extended offers of logistical support, funds, and equipment to aid Philippine rescue operations. Non-governmental organizations like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) are also preparing to deploy medical teams and essential supplies.
The EC 725 AP helicopter, often referred to as the “Super Cougar,” is a versatile and highly reliable aircraft in humanitarian and military operations. Developed by Airbus Helicopters, it is renowned for its capabilities in challenging environments, including mountainous regions and areas with limited landing zones.
- Long-range endurance: The Super Cougar can stay airborne for extended periods, making it ideal for prolonged missions.
- High cargo capacity: It can carry large quantities of supplies, including food, water, and medical equipment, to isolated communities.
- Advanced avionics and navigation systems: These allow the helicopter to navigate with precision, even under adverse weather conditions.
- Personnel transport capacity: It can accommodate up to 29 passengers or over 5,000 kilograms of cargo, making it an essential tool for mass evacuation and supply drops.
The RMAF team, with their expertise and training, is well-prepared to operate this aircraft under difficult conditions, and their presence is expected to make a significant difference in the relief efforts underway in the Philippines.
