It has been four days. We want water and food. We want someone who will help. We are emotionally drained and physically exhausted. There are many babies and children who need attention."
Filipino President Benigno Aquino late Monday declared a national state of calamity, which allows the government to impose price controls and quickly release emergency funds.
"In the coming days, be assured: help will reach you faster and faster," he said in a televised address.
"My appeal to you all is: remaining calm, praying, cooperating with, and assisting one another are the things that will help us to rise from this calamity."
Haiyan generated waves up to five metres (16 feet) high that surged inland like a tsunami. The walls of water destroyed nearly everything in their path along huge stretches of coastlines throughout the central band of the archipelago.