Tacloban City airport in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. Photograph ourtesy of the Philippine Air Force
The UN has launched an appeal for £190 million ($301 million) to help relief efforts in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.
A number of independent aid agencies are already working in the areas devasted by the typhoon, with an estimated 11.3 million people affected by the storm, and 673,000 displaced.
UNHCR High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres was shocked by the level of destruction on the ground, saying:
The level of destruction we’re seeing reported is absolutely staggering
The storm damaged roads, airstrips, and lines of communication, which has resulted in difficulties for those trying to bring aid to those in need. Describing the situation, UN humanitarian official, John Ging said:
“The scale of devastation also impacts the capacity to get aid to the people where they most need it. Clean drinking water is a very big priority right now”
Many places are strewn with dead bodies creating a major public health issue, with the buryials a high priority for response teams to help alleviate the issue.
David Cameron has announced that Britain will deploy HMS Daring and RAF military transport aircraft to help people devastated by Typhoon Haiyan, with the US aircraft carrier USS George Washington and other navy ships to the “within 48-72 hours” from the area.
