To me, humanitarian work is not just a job. It s my sense of purpose in this world. This is what I am made of. That gives me a sense of humility and puts me in a situation wherein I can appreciate both ends. That s so extreme. Just being there, being home, makes you feel you don t need a lot and just enjoy life.
Beaches were deserted and tourists had retreated to the safety of their hotels.
Philippine authorities warned more than 12 million people were at risk from the typhoon. Its wind strength makes it equivalent to an exceptionally strong Category 5 hurricane.
Two people were killed in Cotabato province – an adult and a one-year-old – and a woman was fatally hit by a falling tree in Cebu, officials said.
Typhoon Haiyan is battering the central Philippines with sustained winds of up to 320 km/h (199 mph).
Meteorologists say that if initial estimates based on satellite images are borne out, it could be the most powerful storm ever to make landfall.