Aid operations for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in full swing

Aid operations for victims of Typhoon Haiyan are in full swing now as countries around the world continue to deliver supplies to devastated areas of the Philippines.

From the U.S., an additional $10 million in supplies and personnel brought the total to more than $37 million.

South Korean military planes also arrived in Tacloban with supplies.

And after the planes unloaded their cargo, they were refilled with nearly 200 people trying to get out.

The country’s rescue and recovery efforts — or lack there of — have come under fire with critics blaming Philippines President Benigno Aquino for being caught off guard and for a sometimes chaotic response.

During a tour of badly damaged regions he skipped questions about the relief response but did say he’s trying to keep his own emotions in check.

“One is tempted to despair, but the minute I despair, then everybody, it cascades down and everybody gets hampered in their efforts,” Aquino said.

Victims who do manage to get the help they need aren’t soon forgetting family members they left behind.

At a medical facility in Cebu province, Tacloban residents receive treatment and vow to return home one day to rebuild.

Other Tacloban survivors evacuated with sick or injured family members wait to board planes back into the devastation- armed with supplies and provisions.

The death toll from the disaster is just under 4,000 with some four million people displaced.

Canadians who want to donate through the Red Cross can do so via redcross.ca and designate typhoon Haiyan. They can also donate $5 by texting redcross at 30333.

Canadians needing urgent consular help following Typhoon Haiyan can email sos@international.gc.ca or call collect 613-996-8885.

The federal government has set up phone numbers for Canadians looking for information on relatives and friends who may have been caught in the affected areas. They are 1-800-387-3124 or 613-996-8885.

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