Ships head to Philippines amid devastation
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| The UN has called for a "massive response" to the humanitarian disaster |
US and British vessels were heading to the Philippines as the UN appealed for aid amid the large-scale devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan.
The US has deployed an aircraft carrier and navy ships to the Philippines, while the UK is sending a naval destroyer.
At least 10,000 people are feared to have been killed, and thousands of survivors desperately require aid.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino has declared a state of national calamity.
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| "One shirt. That's all I'm asking for": The BBC hears survivors' stories |
In a statement, he said the two worst affected provinces, Leyte and Samar, had suffered massive destruction and loss of life.
A huge international relief effort is under way, but rescue workers have struggled to reach areas cut off since the storm.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described images of the impact of the storm as "heartbreaking".
The UN would launch a large-scale humanitarian plan, and allocate $25m (£15.5m) "to fund critical relief efforts", he said.
"Many thousands of people are reported to have died and almost 10 million people have been affected... Let us all show our solidarity with the people of the Philippines at this time of need," he added.
One of the most powerful storms on record to make landfall, Haiyan - named "Yolanda" by Philippine authorities - struck the coastal provinces of Leyte and Samar on Friday.
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| Thousands of survivors desperately need aid, including food and water |
It then headed west, sweeping through six central Philippine islands.
Auntie, we need help! Please! We are okay but the house is destroyed”
Typhoon Haiyan: Survivors' stories
Air Force Capt Antonio Tamayo told AP news agency the scene in Tacloban, one of the worst-hit areas, was "overwhelming".
`We need more medicine. We cannot give anti-tetanus vaccine shots because we have none.''
Officials said looting was widespread and order was proving difficult to enforce. Correspondents say many ordinary people are simply scavenging for the food and water needed to survive.
'Dead bodies'
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| In Tacloban, Leyte, hundreds have gathered at the airport for supplies or to try and leave the city |
In a statement, the US said that aircraft carrier USS George Washington and other navy ships should arrive in the Philippines "within 48-72 hours".
"As needed, these ships and aircraft will be able to provide humanitarian assistance, supplies, and medical care in support of the ongoing efforts led by the government and military of the Republic of the Philippines," the statement said.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced that the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Darling would soon head to the disaster zone from Singapore.
It would take five days to arrive but once in the Philippines brings engineering and first aid expertise as well as the use of a Lynx helicopter.
Other countries have also pledged millions of dollars in assistance. Australia has approved $9m in humanitarian aid to the Philippines, while New Zealand has pledged over $1m.
China has pledged $100,000
Reports from Tacloban say soldiers have been distributing food and water to some residents and the US military has sent marines to the city.
A Philippine military spokesman was quoted as saying on Monday that 942 people had died in the typhoon's aftermath, though it is clear the official death toll will rise significantly.
UN humanitarian official John Ging said: "Many places are strewn with dead bodies".
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| Rupert Wingfield-Hayes reports from Tacloban where families have to bury their own dead |
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