JCB announces donation to Phillippines disaster
The company is sending a fleet of three 3CX backhoe loaders to help in the clear up operations following Typhoon Haiyan which was one of the most powerful storms ever recorded on land and which has left up to 2,500 people dead.
In addition more than 120 JCB electrical generators are being provided through the company's Phillippines dealer Camec.
The generators are already being used to power community buildings, including hospitals and local authority premises. The JCB backhoes will be deployed in clear up operations in the province of Tacloban City.
JCB has a long history of helping countries affected by major natural disasters and this is the second time the company has sent aid to the Philippines.
JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: "The human suffering and scenes of devastation in the Philippines have been heart-rending and I hope JCB's contribution to the relief effort will help, in some small way, those who are bearing the brunt of this disaster. One of the main challenges facing rescue workers is clearing roads in the affected areas and the JCB backhoe is exactly the right machine for the job of removing debris."
The versatile JCB backhoe loader is the ideal machine for disaster situations thanks to its front shovel which can be used as a bulldozer and rear excavator that not only be used to dig emergency drains, but also to crane heavy objects. Crucially, the machine can get from site to site under its own steam with no need for additional transport.
The generators despatched to the disaster zone are all small petrol models which can be carried easily by two people. They are ideal for powering medical equipment, fridges and microwaves as appliances can simply be plugged into the generator.
The gift of two 3CX backhoe loaders was made by JCB Chairman Lord Bamford in response to an appeal from relief agencies for foreign aid.