13 million displaced by Haiyan

Manila – The number of people affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan has risen to 13 million, the UN said on Saturday.

The figure includes more than 1.9 million people who were displaced, 760 000 of them children.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council reported the death toll at 3 631 although regional authorities earlier released higher figures. It was also said that over 1 000 people were still missing.

Many of the stricken areas have yet to be reached by aid workers. South African rescue organisation, Gift of the Givers arrived in the country over the weekend to assist with operations.

The team was met at the airport by South Africa's ambassador to the Philippines, Agnes Niyamande-Pitso who thanked the volunteer group for their efforts.

It brought supplies from its Johannesburg and also spent all of Saturday getting more goods. On Monday the team leaves for Cebu and will then take a boat to other hard-hit areas.

The team includes doctors, nurses, paramedics, rescue experts and a diving expert.

The UN said the priority humanitarian needs are food, water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter and health.

"It is estimated that 2.5 million people are in need of food relief," the UN said.

It also said there were outbreaks of acute respiratory diseases, measles, cholera and typhoid.

"It is estimated that 200 000 pregnant women and 130 000 breastfeeding women in affected areas need… specialised services."
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