Tagging along with Canadian relief workers in typhoon-struck Philippines

Video Log: Slow cleanup continues in Philippines

The devastation caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan has left at least 600,000 people homeless, leaving many in need of reliable sources of food, shelter and water.

The province of Capiz, located along the northern coast of Panay Island, has been hit particularly hard.

Global News’ Stuart Greer and Dan Hodgson have been covering the Canadian relief mission there.

Greer says Canada’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) help bridge the gap between local government and law enforcement agencies while providing logistical support to help coordinate relief aid.

“You can’t move water and food into an isolated area if you can’t get a truck down a road, if power lines and trees are blocking roads,” Greer said, explaining that DART engineers do everything from building latrines to clearing trees in order to help get the province back on its feet.

DART has established a base of operations in the city of Roxas, the provincial capital, along with other relief workers such as the United Nations and Red Cross.

With its electrical infrastructure down, Roxas is relying on generators for power, and Internet connection is spotty. Military and police forces are also being stretched thin.

However, Greer says the shared space feels very collegial, and that the locals have gone to great lengths to provide foreign parties with everything they need.

“People keep telling me, ‘We really appreciate your support!’ that the Canadians are here. They’re really bending over backwards to make sure we feel welcome.”

Explore Global News’ complete coverage of Super Typhoon Haiyan

With files from the Associated Press and Global News’ Stuart Greer.