What we’re watching Sunday

Recovery continues after Typhoon Haiyan

Local authorities and international agencies are struggling to deliver aid to the ravaged central Philippines, where the death toll is approaching 4,000.

The number of people displaced by the catastrophe is now estimated at 4 million, up from 900,000 late last week.

Hungry villagers mobbed U.S. military helicopters dropping desperately-needed aid into remote areas, however many communities have yet to receive significant help.

A young boy waves to a helicopter from his homes rooftop in Tacloban City on November 17, 2013 in Leyte, Philippines. Credit: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

The BBC reports that President Benigno Aquino is facing criticism for his government’s response to the humanitarian crisis, while he blames local authorities for being ill prepared.
Midwest braces for severe storms

The National Weather Service has issued a severe weather warning for much of the Midwest.

Parts of eastern Illinois, Indiana, western Ohio and far southwest lower Michigan can expect severe thunderstorms today, and conditions are favorable for tornadoes, large hail, and widespread damaging winds.

The agency says many of the storms are expected to become supercells and the strong winds will sweep across the Central Plains during the day before approaching the Mid-Atlantic states by evening.

Government contractors beheaded in Afghanistan

The AP reports that the beheaded bodies of six government contractors were discovered by villagers in the southern region of Afghanistan, a stronghold for the Taliban.

A police spokesman said the contractors were building police compounds and checkpoints in Kandahar.

While there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the beheadings, officials suspect Taliban insurgents who regularly target contractors and have warned Afghans against working for the government.