Obama gives condolences to the Philippines in phone call

President Barack Obama spoke to the president of the Philippines to express condolences for the devastation brought by Typhoon Haiyan.

White House press secretary Jay Carney said Obama spoke to President Benigno Aquino III Tuesday morning.

Carney says the president has directed his administration "to mount a swift and coordinated response to save lives and provide assistance to alleviate suffering." He noted that USAID and the U.S. military are providing relief on the ground, and that the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and several escort ships are on their way to provide emergency services.