According to the United Nations News Service, the UN has kiced off an appeal for $74 Million to help the 1 Million flood victims in the Philippines.
Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes said that he has allocated $7 million for the Philippines emergency from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), set up to finance sudden-onset or under-funded crises.
The appeal has already received between $9 million and $10 million, Mr.Holmes said.
The Flash Appeal seeks to generate funds in key sectors including food, shelter, water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency telecommunications and logistics, child protection, coordination and camp management.
As part of the $74 Million appeal, the UN World Food Programme is asking for $26 million to fund its three-month emergency operation, to support the Government’s efforts by providing rice, beans and other food in the worst-hit areas of Manila and surrounding areas. The agency is also giving logistical support to allow humanitarian agencies to access remote areas.
For its part, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has identified access to drinking water as the major concern in the wake of the devastating storms. UNICEF is asking for nearly $13 million from the wider appeal has already distributed hundreds of hygiene kids.
Appealing for $7 million during the launch was the World Health Organization (WHO), which reported that it is sending medical supplies to two dozen hospitals and health centers that have been damaged by floods. (PIA)
