Obama offers condolences to Philippines president on super typhoon

U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday spoke with the President of the Philippines Benigno Aquino to express deep condolences for the lives lost and damage caused by super typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda, which are considered the largest, strongest storms to ever hit land, the White House announced. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters that over the weekend, Obama directed the administration "to mount a swift and coordinated response to save lives and provide assistance to alleviate suffering." He added that USAID and the Department of Defense are providing "significant assistance to the people of the Philippines." He added that the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and several escort ships are on their way to the Philippines, where "they will help expand search-and- rescue operations, provide medical care and serve as platforms for a base of helicopters working to deliver supplies." "In the days ahead, the United States will continue to work with the Philippines to deliver whatever help we can as quickly as possible," he affirmed. For her part, State Department Spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki told reporters in her briefing that the U.S. announced on Monday USD 20 million in humanitarian assistance, including emergency food aid and critical relief supplies for disaster-affected areas. "This will be a long-term effort, and the United States stands by the people of the Philippines during this very difficult time," she remarked.