The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has appealed to member states to extend help to the typhoon-devastated Philippines and stand united by the government and people of the Philippines.

OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu conveyed his condolences to the families who lost their relatives and loved ones, and prayed for a speedy recovery of the wounded.

He called for the provision of emergency aid to “mitigate the consequences of this unprecedented natural disaster.”

According to Ihsanoglu, the concerned specialized department of the OIC has been instructed to take measures to provide assistance to people affected by typhoon Haiyan.

Official sources in the Philippines estimate that over 10,000 people were killed and that many villages sustained damage, with millions of people left homeless.

The Secretary-General urged OIC member states, subsidiary organs, affiliated and specialized institutions, and Islamic charitable organizations to extend relief, medical, humanitarian and financial aid to the victims of the typhoon, and to accelerate their delivery to those in need.

He expressed readiness to contribute to this humanitarian endeavor.

UNHCR is also coordinating with other agencies to provide assistance, including non-food items, to the victims of typhoon Haiyan, according to the UNHCR’s deputy regional representative to the GCC.

Speaking with Arab News, Nabil Othman said, “We urge the international community to support Philippine in this catastrophe.”

The UN has launched an appeal to raise $301m to help relief efforts in typhoon-hit areas of the Philippines.

According to Othman, figures indicate that around nine to 11 million people have been affected by the typhoon, which hit the Philippine on Friday and has left more than 800,000 displaced persons.

Othman said that the first UNHCR airlift is scheduled to leave on Wednesday from Dubai to Cebu, carrying tents and other non-food help, while further aid flights are expected later this week.

Meanwhile, UNICEF is rushing emergency supplies to areas of the storm-hit nation, as the latest estimates indicate that up to 4 million children could now be affected by the disaster. Therapeutic food for children, health kits, water and hygiene kits to support around 3,000 families in the affected areas have already been mobilized from supplies available in the country, with distribution prioritized for the Tacloban area as soon as access is possible.

“We are rushing to get critical supplies to children who are bearing the brunt of this crisis,” said Tomoo Hozumi, UNICEF’s Philippines representative.

“Reaching the worst affected areas is very difficult, with limited access due to the damage caused by the typhoon to infrastructure and communications. But we are working around the clock to find ways to get supplies to children as quickly as conditions allow,” he added.

UNICEF’s warehouse in Copenhagen is airlifting $1.3 million worth of additional supplies for another 10,000 families, including those affected by the recent earthquake in Bohol. The shipments contain water purification tablets, soap, medical kits, tarpaulins, and micronutrient supplements.

Children who have escaped the wrath of Typhoon Haiyan still need urgent assistance to survive the aftermath of the storm. Particular concerns include health, due to the impact of the typhoon on water supply and sanitation systems. Children also need safe and protected spaces to be able to play and resume studying while adults work to recover their homes and livelihoods.

“As we get a better picture of the impact of this devastating crisis, it is clear that even more children are affected than first thought,” said Hozumi.

“UNICEF is doing all it can to reach these children, as quickly as possible with critical supplies, to protect their health, safety and wellbeing in the difficult days ahead,” he concluded.