Operations Resume at Typhoon-stricken Port

The Philippines' Ports Authority has resumed full commercial operations at the port of Tacloban which was closed for about 12 days after Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) struck.

The Ports Authority and International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) worked round-the-clock to restart operations at the port, which is expected to become the relief hub.

Cargo handling equipment from ICTSI to help temporarily run the port of Tacloban until it recovers from damage caused by the storm is due to arrive today. The equipment includes 12 forklifts, six tower lights to support night operation, several reach stackers for mobility of cargo and an additional five payloaders for cleaning.

For the meantime, all relief missions are coursed through Cebu due to limited operation at ports and airports due to lack of equipment.

Airports and piers affected by typhoon Haitan are now back in operation, except Tacloban Airport which is still limited to mercy flights and government operations due to space constraints.

The Philippines' Civil Aviation Authority say A-320 flights to and from Manila-Tacloban are allowed but on only on four frequencies.

Airports are now functional are Guiuan in Samar, Bantayan and Roxas in Cebu, Kalibo and Caticlan in Aklan, Busuanga in Palawan, San Jose in Mindoro, Ormoc in Leyte Tagbilaran in Bohol, Borongan, Biliran and Calbayog in Samar, Dumaguete in Negros Oriental and Catbalogan in Western Samar.