In a continuous relief efforts to the Philippines, which was devastated by Typhoon Haiyan, Red Cross teams up with Facebook to raise funds in the United States. Social network giant Facebook will provide prime real estate to Red Cross for free.

The organisation will solicit donations to aid the Philippines and will appear U.S. Facebook users' feeds throughout Nov. 15. Reports say Red Cross is launching its biggest fundraising effort in a social media platform.

Red Cross representative Laura Howe said the organisation feels Facebook is "a natural fit" for such a fundraising effort since both Red Cross and Facebook make it possible for people to connect with family and friends around the world. Ms Howe said Facebook users can easily send donations to the Philippines with the help of Facebook.

American Facebook users can donate using their credit cards or PayPal. The whole donation amount will be sent to Red Cross.

Red Cross has also partnered with tech giant Apple Inc to raise funds for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Apple Inc has announced it will be collecting donations for the American Red Cross via iTunes to be sent to the Philippines amid continuous relief efforts. Typhoon Haiyan has left the central part of the Phiippines heavily devastated causing countries and organisations around the world to send help in any way they can.

New Zealand Air Force to aid storm-hit country

Prime Minister John Key will be sending air force Hercules to help in local and international relief efforts in the Philippines. Mr Key will not be visiting the country next week as scheduled due to the country's state of calamity. The prime minister said his visit will only put "undue pressure" on Philippine President Benigno Aquino and his government in such a critical time.

Hercules will transport emergency supplies in two days. Mr Key said he has ordered Hercules to remain in central Philippines for at least four to five days as needed to provide logistics support for relief efforts.

New Zealand will also donate $2.3 million to the Philippine Red Cross to boost its supplies in preparation for the future.

Mr Key said the Philippines is like New Zealand. Both are vulnerable to natural disaster in the Pacific. He recommends pre-positioning disaster relief supplies in different parts in the country, which means relief goods can reach those who are affected without delay.

New Zealand's initiative with the Philippine Red Cross is on top of the $2.15 million previously donated by the country in response to the clamour for aid.

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