Typhoon Haiyan: British public raise over £50m to help people affected in Philippines

Death toll expected to exceed 10,000 as four million people have been forced to leave their homes since disaster

19 November 2013: A man walks down steps from a tanker that was washed ashore in a particularly badly damaged part of Tacloban during Typhoon Haiyan in Leyte, Philippines (Getty Images)

The British public has raised more than £50 million to provide people affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines with vital aid in just one week, officials have announced.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) said the "incredible response" from the British public was helping to administer crucial aid in some of the worst affected areas of the islands.

The funds, which includes £5 million from the UK Government and £600,000 from the Scottish Government, is providing much-needed clean water, food, medical care and materials for temporary shelter.

DEC said its aid agencies have already assisted around 590,000 survivors across the country.

The scale of devastation left by the storm remains enormous, with more than 13 million people now known to be affected, DEC said.

The typhoon claimed the lives of almost 4,000 and left four million people displaced after being forced to flee their homes. Authorities have since set up 1,587 emergency shelters, which are being filled by 82,000 families.1,600 remain missing, including "a number of British nationals".

Aid agencies are now focusing on reaching the most remote areas of the Philippines, having faced difficulties with debris on roads and poor access to ports and airports. Access is now slowly improving as debris was cleared and bridges were repaired, the DEC said.

"We continue to be humbled by the remarkable support the public have provided for this appeal," DEC chief executive Saleeh Saeed added.

"The country has given so generously. The DEC and our member agencies are extremely thankful for the kindness of all those who have donated.

"Funds from both the UK and Scottish governments have also been incredibly important to the aid being provided - we are hugely grateful for this support.

"The sheer scale of this disaster has shocked millions of us and rallied us together to help those in need.

"The vital funds raised are already making an incredible difference to the lives of those affected by Typhoon Haiyan - the people of the Philippines are incredibly grateful for the support."

* Donations can be made to the DEC Philippines Typhoon Appeal on the DEC 24-hour hotline on 0370 6060900, by visiting http://www.dec.org.uk, by donating over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or by sending a cheque.

People can also donate £5 by texting SUPPORT to 70000.

Additional reporting by Press Association