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L.A. Military Veterans Head To Philippines To Help Typhoon Victims
A man looks at damaged houses in Tacloban City, Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan (Photo by Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images)
A group of local former military veterans specializing in disaster relief left Los Angeles en route to the Philippines to help victims devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.
Team Rubicon, headquartered in El Segundo and headed by two former Marines, met up in Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday, in efforts to utilize their specialized military and first responder training in disaster relief efforts. The 15-member team are going on an eight-day mission for "Operation Seabird," a “strike team to conduct a medical search and rescue mission," reported CBS Los Angeles.
The city of Tacloban was one of the most affected areas hit by Typhoon Haiyan on Friday. Team Rubicon was told that 75 to 80 percent of the city was destroyed, according to KABC, and the Los Angeles Times assessed that the death toll could reach 10,000 people.
This isn't the first search and rescue mission for Team Rubicon, as they have been involved in efforts in Haiti, Chile, and domestically during Hurricane Sandy. The group was formed in 2010, has 8,000 members. KABC reported:
"From the initial reports we've received, it's going to be massive, massive destruction. Unfortunately it looks like a lot of loss of lives, complete catastrophic events," said Vince Moffitt of Team Rubicon. "I think it's going to be one of the biggest, most tragic events we've witnessed so far."
More information on how to help Team Rubicon with their mission can be found on their website.
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