TACLOBAN, Philippines (AFP) - Survivors of a super typhoon that may have killed more than 10,000 people in the Philippines were growing increasingly desperate for aid on Monday, as authorities struggled to cope with potentially the country's worst recorded natural disaster.
As the sheer scale of the devastation slowly became clear, rescue workers appeared overwhelmed in their efforts to help countless survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan, which sent tsunami-like waves and merciless winds rampaging across a huge chunk of the archipelago on Friday.
Hundreds of police and soldiers were deployed to contain looters in Tacloban, the devastated provincial capital of Leyte, while the United States (US) announced it had responded to a Philippine government appeal and was sending military help.
Google Person Finder for Super Typhoon Haiyan
"Tacloban is totally destroyed. Some people are losing their minds from hunger or from losing their families," high school teacher Andrew Pomeda, 36, told AFP on Sunday, warning of the increasing desperation of survivors.
"People are becoming violent. They are looting business establishments, the malls, just to find food, rice and milk.... I am afraid that in one week, people will be killing from hunger."
President Benigno Aquino said while visiting Tacloban on Sunday that looting had become a major concern, after only 20 officers out of the city's 390-strong police force turned up for work.
"So we will send about 300 police and soldiers to take their place and bring back peace and order," he said.
Who I Am Foundation Volunteers are ready to box up all items donated to send for relief to the victims of this horrible tragedy. Any donation or contribution helps.
Philippines Disaster Relief Fund
There are many ways we can give back to our community. Giving back with Who I Am Foundation shows a different quality of giving. As we ship boxes of items needed to aid the victims of this disaster, much care goes inside. Monetary donation are needed for packaging boxes for shipping internationally. Donate today!
Items In Need:
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Water
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Food
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Shirts
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Undergarments
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Socks
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Shoes
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Pants
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Jackets
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Blankets
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Toys
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Toiletries
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Toothbrushes
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Toothpaste
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Shampoo
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Conditioner
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Deodorant