The United Nations on Friday boosted its aid appeal for Asian earthquake victims to 312 million dollars and said 1 million survivors needed urgent help, dpa reported. Earlier this week, the United Nations launched an aid appeal of 212 million dollars to help those affected by the 7.6-magnitude quake that rocked northern Pakistan and Kashmir Saturday. Friday's increase would provide immediate assistance to survivors over the next six months, officials said. The increase comes after U.N. Undersecretary General Jan Egeland on Friday told reporters in Islamabad, Pakistan, that rehabilitation and reconstruction of earthquake-ravaged areas would need billions of dollars over five to ten years. The Pakistani government has confirmed that at least 25,000 were killed and 60,000 injured in the killer earthquake. The United Nations office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs on Friday said a total of 4 million people were affected by the disaster. One million of the victims were in severe conditions, it said. U.N. officials said priority needs included logistical support such as helicopters and heavy lifting equipment. Other urgently needed items were winterized tents, blankets, heating equipment, water and sanitation, field hospitals, medicines, food and qualified emergency personnel, officials said. While access to some areas was improving, road conditions remain difficult, they said. Rescue operations have been using 48 helicopters, three of which are operated by the United Nations, they added.
