US Hercules planes arrive to assist in typhoon relief operations in the Philippines

Two U.S. Hercules planes arrived in the Philippines to help distribute relief goods to residents stricken by Typhoon Krathon.

Footage shows the KC-130J aircraft from the United States III Marine Expeditionary Force landing at the Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Manila, on October 5.

The planes will carry thousands of food packs and shelter repair kits to Batanes province in the far north that was ravaged by the storm.

Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in a statement: 'We are deeply thankful to the U.S. government for their swift response and unwavering support during this critical time. Their assistance is vital as we work to rebuild and provide for our communities affected by the typhoon.'

Krathon devastated the northern part of the country, triggering landslides and flooding that killed at least five people.

It hurtled into Taiwan's port city of Kaohsiung, killing two people and sparking evacuations as it made landfall.

Krathon has since weakened into a tropical depression and is expected to move towards China. The Philippines and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are in their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.