A British Jewish charity has launched an emergency appeal for the victims of the violent storm in the Philippines .

World Jewish Relief, which offers international support to Jewish and non-Jewish organisations, plan to send aid to the south-east Asian country, where 9.5 million people have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

Around 10,000 people are believed to have been killed in the wake of the 300 mile wide typhoon, which hit the country last Friday. The eastern island of Leyte and the coastal city of Tacloban were the areas believed to be the most affected.

Funds raised by WJR will go to providing food, water, shelter and medical support to survivors.

Paul Anticoni, the chief executive of WJR, said: “This is the worst natural disaster the world has seen for years. As part of the Jewish community’s response to this emergency we are appealing for urgent support to help us reach those in most desperate need.

“We hope that the community will be as generous as possible to help us distribute much-needed assistance to those affected. We are inspired by the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam – ‘Healing the World’ – WJR has a critical role in leading British Jewry’s response to international disasters such as this one.”