The United Nations has launched an appeal for more than $US300 million to help thousands of people in areas of the Philippines hit by a huge typhoon.
The UN says more than 11 million people are thought to be affected when massive Typhoon Haiyan smashed into the nation's central islands and 660,000 have lost their homes.
Philippine president Benigno Aquino said on Tuesday some 2500 people are estimated to have died. However there fears the toll could rise sharply as rescuers reach hundreds of isolated towns and villages.
About $US100 million dollars in emergency assistance has so far been pledged by several countries, including New Zealand.
The BBC reports rural areas are suffering.
