The US aircraft carrier George Washington has arrived off the island of Leyte in the Central Philippines to help speed up the delivery of aid to desperate survivors of typhoon Haiyan. The carrier will act as a huge floating base for helicopter operations to distribute supplies of food, water and medicine, where it is most needed. A US navy spokesman told the BBC that George Washington allied with other US vessels will make a huge difference to the aid operation.

The United Nations Humanitarian Chief Valerie Amos has admitted that the UN has laid down survivors of typhoon Haiyan by acting too slowly. She says there are still some parts of the Philippines were people are in desperate need, which the UN has been unable to reach, although the operations was now gathering pace. The Philippine government has also been criticised for its response.