SINGAPORE – A Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 transport aircraft has been deployed to the Philippines to provide airlift support for delivering humanitarian aid supplies to communities hit by Tropical Storm Trami.

       The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on Oct 26 that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) deployed the aircraft at the request of the Philippine government to aid in humanitarian efforts.

       “The SAF’s contributions underscore the warm and friendly bilateral and defence ties and close humanitarian assistance and disaster relief cooperation between Singapore and the Philippines,” said Mindef.

       The death toll in the Philippines from Tropical Storm Trami rose to 87 on Oct 26, while hundreds of thousands of people were displaced after fleeing floods driven by a torrential downpour that dumped two months’ worth of rainfall in just two days in some areas, AFP reported.

       While Trami exited the Philippines on Oct 25, there is a chance that it may turn back towards the country by Oct 27.

       However, this will depend on the behaviour of another tropical storm that may enter the Philippine area of responsibility - but away from Philippine landmass - as early as Oct 26 night, said state weather agency Pagasa.