Smartphone application Viber TM has announced that it will render free overseas calling services to regular numbers abroad to Filipinos, in the wake of the surge of super typhoon Yolanda, internationally known as Haiyan.

Viber, using its official account, sent out a message on Monday at about 8:50 in the morning, indicating the good news.

The message read: "ATTENTION: In light of the current situation in the Philippines, we are opening a temporary service, allowing Filipino users to call regular (non Viber) numbers outside of the Philippines for free. Please note that this is not a final product, so not all countries are supported and quality may vary," stated the message.

It also provided for instructions on how to avail of the aid that victims, as well as those who are not affected, may use to inform their worried relatives abroad.

"You may have to restart your phone for this to work. To call someone using this service, go to any contact in Viber and tap any of the numbers listed next to 'ViberOut'."

"Call your family now. Let them know you are ok! #ViberHelps."

It also instructed users to visit viber.com/typhoon to view the full list of supported countries.

Despite all the preparations, Yolanda/Haiyan has wreaked havoc to parts of the Philippines that were in its path.

According to sources, the death toll has risen up to an estimate of 10,000 in one of the provinces alone.

"We had a meeting last night with the governor and the other officials. The governor said, based on their estimate, 10,000 died," Leyte Regional Police Director Elmer Soria told Reuters.

"The devastation is so big."

Yolanda/Haiyan, which strength was fractionally diminished, is now on its way to neighboring Southeastasian country, Vietnam.

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