The United Nations is appealing for $74 million to aid flood victims in the Philippines, a U.N. Spokesperson said on Tuesday. U.N. spokeswoman Michele Montas says the money is needed to help one million people severely affected by the flooding resulting from Tropical Storm Ketsana. The storm swept across Manila and parts of Central Luzon, bringing the equivalent of one month's rain in just 12 hours. It was the worst flooding in Manila in more than four decades and killed more than 300 people overall. “As often in these kinds of disasters, it is the most vulnerable who are worst affected. We are counting on the generosity of donors to enable us to provide assistance quickly,” said U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes who was briefing reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York. “Flood-related disasters can lead to even worse humanitarian consequences, not least the risk of outbreaks of water-borne diseases, if the response is delayed,” he added. The Philippines says it has received more than $13 million in funds and aid from at least 12 countries but needs more for feeding homeless people and rebuilding destroyed houses.
