As Typhoon Koppu Rages Across The Philippines, Troops And Civilians Scramble To Help Out

The typhoon has left at least 58 people dead, at least nine missing and 100,000 displaced.
Typhoon Koppu has sparked a massive relief effort across the Philippines.
Typhoon Koppu has sparked a massive relief effort across the Philippines.
STR/AFP/Getty Images

Since Saturday, Typhoon Koppu has wreaked havoc on towns and villages across the Philippines and prompted a massive aid effort by troops, aid agencies and civilian volunteers.

At least 58 people have died so far in the typhoon, known locally as Lando, while at least nine others are missing and 100,000 people have been displaced. The storm has also destroyed crops, infrastructure and homes, causing damage worth some 6.57 billion Philippine pesos ($141 million), Reuters reported.

As of Wednesday, Koppu has shown signs of weakening and is expected to head north toward Japan, according to Reuters.

Rescue workers clear a fallen tree that killed a 14-year-old boy in Manila. Typhoon Koppu has left at least 58 people dead and nine missing, and has forced some 100,000 from their homes.
Rescue workers clear a fallen tree that killed a 14-year-old boy in Manila. Typhoon Koppu has left at least 58 people dead and nine missing, and has forced some 100,000 from their homes.
Jay Directo/AFP/Getty Images

On Monday, the United Nations Children's Fund asked for $2.8 million to help young people living near disaster-stricken areas. "In any event of disasters, children are the most vulnerable," the agency wrote in a blog post.

UNICEF said it had gathered supplies -- including water purification tablets, hygiene kits, medicine, school supplies, food, tents and generators -- for 12,000 families.

UNICEF appealed for $2.8 million to help the children living near disaster-stricken areas.
UNICEF appealed for $2.8 million to help the children living near disaster-stricken areas.
STR/AFP/Getty Images

On Wednesday, the Catholic church also announced plans to allocate 13.21 million Philippine pesos ($284,000) to provide 25,000 people in typhoon-affected areas with items like ready-to-eat food, water, hygiene kits, blankets and sleeping mats, the government's Philippines News Agency said.

People evacuated from their homes rest inside a makeshift shelter in a school in Cabanatuan City, Philippines, on Oct. 19, 2015.
People evacuated from their homes rest inside a makeshift shelter in a school in Cabanatuan City, Philippines, on Oct. 19, 2015.
Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images

The Philippine army also sent its 7th and 5th Infantry Divisions to affected provinces early on Sunday to distribute relief goods and help transport evacuees, according to the army's Facebook page.

The Philippine army sent two of its infantry divisions to affected provinces to distribute emergency relief goods and help transport evacuees.
The Philippine army sent two of its infantry divisions to affected provinces to distribute emergency relief goods and help transport evacuees.
Airman 1st Class Junell Yupangco, PIO/Philippine Air Force/Associated Press

In photos taken around the country, troops and civilian volunteers can be seen delivering relief supplies via military plane and rubber boats.

Members of the Philippine Air Force rescue team distribute relief goods in the northern Philippines on Oct. 18, 2015.
Members of the Philippine Air Force rescue team distribute relief goods in the northern Philippines on Oct. 18, 2015.
Philippine Air Force/Associated Press

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