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US and British vessels were heading to the Philippines as the UN appealed for aid amid the large-scale devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan, the BBC reported.

The US has deployed an aircraft carrier and navy ships to the Philippines, while the UK is sending a naval destroyer.

At least 10,000 people are feared to have been killed, and thousands of survivors desperately require aid.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino has declared a state of national calamity.

In a statement, he said the two worst affected provinces, Leyte and Samar, had suffered massive destruction and loss of life.

A huge international relief effort is under way, but rescue workers have struggled to reach areas cut off since the storm.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described images of the impact of the storm as "heartbreaking."

The UN would launch a large-scale humanitarian plan, and allocate $25m (£15.5m) "to fund critical relief efforts", he said.

"Many thousands of people are reported to have died and almost 10 million people have been affected... Let us all show our solidarity with the people of the Philippines at this time of need," he added.

One of the most powerful storms on record to make landfall, Haiyan - named "Yolanda" by Philippine authorities - struck the coastal provinces of Leyte and Samar on Friday.

It then headed west, sweeping through six central Philippine islands.

Officials said looting was widespread and order was proving difficult to enforce. Correspondents say many ordinary people are simply scavenging for the food and water needed to survive.