AUSTRALIAN RELIEF TEAMS HEAD TO PHILIPPINES

The UN has made $US25 million from its central emergency fund available to the country, and launched an appeal for an additional $US300 million.

Tacloban: City of death
 
Tacloban's official slogan is "A City of Progress, Beauty and Love", but Typhoon Haiyan has turned that on its head.
Australia has pledged $10 million in aid, and Prime Minister Tony Abbott says he is prepared to send more.

Two Air Force aircraft have been loaded in Darwin and are set to fly out to the Philippines as part of Australia's relief effort.

A C-17 Globemaster is packed with 25 tonnes of emergency and medical supplies, and a C-130 Hercules will carry 36 emergency and medical personnel to the country.

The specialist team made up of doctors, nurses and logistics experts from around Australia is expected to operate in the region for at least two weeks.

The Philippines' Ambassador to Canberra, Belen Anota, has thanked Australia for its assistance, saying the nation is "very grateful".