Survivors of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines are celebrating Christmas, many still living in tents and temporary shelters.

Despite the rain and grey skies many are far from gloomy.

At the Church of Santo Nino in Tacloban, Philippines papal representative Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto was among those handing out gifts to the congregation.

Assistant parish priest Madeo Alvero says the storm didn't break the spirit of those who survived.

"We may be homeless, we may be roofless, but we're not hopeless. This is our battle cry. We're hopeful that Tacloban will rise again, that Leyte will rise again, with the help of every one of us."

The United Nations is appealing for $800 million to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

The cash would provide food, shelter, water, health and sanitation for a year for 14 million people affected by the storm.

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