Typhoon Haiyan: Tropical Cyclone Zoraida in Pacific Threatens Philippines with Second Strike

A new storm is set to hit the Philippines while the country still clears up the destruction wrought by Typhoon Haiyan.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Association (Pagasa) has issued a tropical cyclone warning, saying a tropical depression known as Zoraida is heading towards the country. At last report, it was 400km away.

"Tropical depression Zoraida has maintained its strength as it continues to move closer to the Surigao-Davao area," it said. It warned of winds of up to 55km/h and heavy rain.

It is estimated that at least 10,000 people have been killed by the typhoon, known locally as Yolanda, with hundreds of thousands of more left homeless.

Forecaster Connie Dadivas told AFP the depression was expected to reach the southern island of Mindanao on Tuesday. It will then move across the islands of Bohol, Cebu, Negros and Panay.

The threat of another storm would further hinder aid workers struggling to get help to areas damaged by the typhoon.

Filipino authorities have been working to deliver aid to people across the country but because of the extensive damage to roads and bridges, many areas remain cut off leaving survivors to rummage for food, water and medicine.

Problems reaching areas worst affected also means bodies are being left to rot in the humid atmosphere, adding to the already dire health risks.

The United Nations said it is working closely with the government of the Philippines to reach those in need.

Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said: "While many communities are very difficult to reach, with roads, airports and bridges destroyed or blocked with debris, agencies have begun airlifting food, health, shelter, medical and other life-saving supplies and have deployed specialist teams and vital logistics support."

Tomoo Hozumi, a representative from Unicef, said: "We are rushing to get critical supplies to children who are bearing the brunt of this crisis. Reaching the worst-affected areas is very difficult. But we are working around the clock."

Filipino soldiers and police have been deployed across the country to stop looters in Tacloban after mobs ransacked a Red Cross aid convoy.

Reynaldo Balido, civil defence spokesman, told ABS-CBN: "We have sent substantial [forces] there and if we need to add some more, it won't be just the police but even the armed forces." Tacloban City has been under a state of emergency and a curfew will apply overnight.

Local teacher Andrew Pomeda said: "Tacloban is totally destroyed. Some people are losing their minds from hunger or from losing their families. People are becoming violent. They are looting business establishments, the malls, just to find food, rice and milk. I am afraid that in one week, people will be killing from hunger.

READ:

Typhoon 'Yolanda' Haiyan: Half a Million Left Homeless in Philippines

Typhoon 'Yolanda' Haiyan: Eye-witnesses Describe Survivors 'Foraging Like Zombies'

Typhoon Haiyan Kills at least 10,000 in Philippine Province Leyte [PHOTOS]

Vietnam Gears up For Typhoon Haiyan as Evacuation Begins