MANILA, Philippines — The president of the Philippines declared a state of national calamity Monday and appealed for calm after one of the world's strongest typhoons hit the nation and survivors desperate for food and water resorted to looting.
Aid workers and relief supplies were being poured into eastern provinces hit Friday by Typhoon Haiyan, which aid agencies and officials estimated has left thousands dead and staggering destruction in its wake.
"It is sad that the situation is leading to desperation," the national police spokesman, Senior Superintendent Reuben Sindac, said in a radio interview.
"We cannot begin to understand the situation of those affected, but this is no reason to resort to crime and violence," he told Manila-based DZMM radio.
President Benigno Aquino declared the state of calamity to speed up government relief.
"In the coming days, I assure you that help will come faster," he said in a televised address. "My only appeal is for people to be calm, pray, cooperate and help each other. These are the only ways we will overcome from this tragedy."