The United Nations has launched an appeal for 74 million dollars to help the Philippines, where floods have killed several hundred people and damaged millions of homes. <br/><br/>The UN Emergency Relief coordinator, John Holmes said the situation on the ground is still difficult in the most affected areas. He said heavy rain in some places is still continuing which is affecting relief operations. <br/><br/>There is a serious risk of communicable diseases with flooding and lack of clean water. Close to 500,000 people are still living in emergency shelters around the capital Manila, which was particularly badly hit.<br/><br/>