The UN and Pakistan have launched an appeal for $459.7 million over the coming weeks, to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of some 13 million people affected by the floods and to help rebuild the devastated country.

“This is a major catastrophe said John Holmes UN Humanitarian Chief speaking about Pakistan.

According to the UN at least six million flood victims require immediate humanitarian assistance including shelter, food, clean water, sanitation and medical care.

Video appeal – UN

Assistance from around the world is arriving in the western city of Padang, Sumatra in Indonesia as time runs out for the thousands of people believed still trapped underneath buildings and houses after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck 30 September. The official death toll exceeds 1,100 according to UN Humanitarian Affairs chief, John Holmes. Rescue efforts are underway at a school that collapsed with 60 school children inside.

Rescue efforts in this city of almost 1 million people and surrounding areas are hampered by rubble in the streets and broken communications and power lines. Dazed and stunned people wander the streets looking for loved ones. Staff at hospitals are working overtime and the city’s morgues are full.  CNN, Jakarta Post, Reuters