The United States has deployed planes and personnel to support relief efforts in Batanes, which was severely affected by Typhoon Julian. Two KC-130J Hercules aircraft from the US III Marine Expeditionary Force arrived at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday, carrying equipment and personnel to assist in the ongoing operations.
The aircraft, which departed from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, will aid in addressing the extensive damage caused by the typhoon. Government reports indicate that Typhoon Julian left five people dead and caused ₱551.81 million in agricultural losses. Around 60% of the 2,463 homes affected were completely destroyed, while 40% were partially damaged.
Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco noted that the use of light materials for homes, due to restrictions on aggregates for building in the protected area, contributed to the widespread destruction. She called for a moratorium on the law to allow residents to build stronger, more resilient homes, as Batanes is frequently hit by typhoons.