Philippine president declares state of national calamity after typhoon ravage

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on Monday night declared state of national calamity as death toll grew after the most powerful typhoom hit the country last Friday. Aquino said in a televised message that through the declaration of state of national calamity, assistance to the affected communities would be fast-tracked. "The declaration of a state of national calamity will hasten the rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation efforts of the government and the private sector, including international humanitarian assistance," according to Proclamation No. 682. The president said that the declaration will, among others, effectively control the prices of basic goods and commodities for the affected areas. He said that the government has still 18.7 billion pesos (432. 87 million U.S. dollars) available funds that can be used for the rehabilitation of areas devastated by the typhoon. He also cited the assistance being extended by at least 22 countries to the Philippines. Aquino assured the affected families that more assistance would be given in the coming days. Super typhoon "Haiyan" (local name Yolanda) swept central part of the country, leaving thousands people dead.