Thousands are feared dead after Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, left a trail of devastation across the Philippines. Humanitarian experts say they expect the number of casualties to be “massive” after arriving in the Philippines to assess the damage.

Foreign media reports say up to 1,200 people are estimated to have died and at least 800,000 are thought to have fled the islands, with tourists being asked to keep in contact with their tour operator or accommodation providers to get the latest safety information.

A Red Cross spokesman quoted by London’s Evening Standard said: “We now fear that thousands will have lost their lives.”

About four million people are believed to have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan, the country’s national disaster agency said.

Winds of 147 mph and gusts of 170 mph left a trail of destruction in their wake, triggering major landslides, knocking out power and communications and causing widespread damage.

•Photo, courtesy London’s Evening Standard, shows a Filipino airport terminal in the wake of the hurricane.