The United Nations and its partners in the Philippines are supporting the Government in assessing the damage that is being caused by what has been described as a monster typhoon.

Typhoon Haiyan known locally by a harmless sounding name, Yolanda, made landfall in Guiuan on Samar Island at 4:30 a.m. and is reported to be making its way across the country.

The Philippines Government has taken preventive measures to save lives by moving people from coastal and low-lying areas prone to flash flooding and landslides.

Three people are reported to have died and 12 million others are at risk from the storm which is reported to be battering central Philippines with winds of up to 195 miles per hour.

Derrick Mbatha reports.

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