1.4 Million In Urgent Need Of Assistance In Haiti After Matthew

MEP: At least 1.4 million people needing emergency aid after Hurricane Matthew that left the peoplein a crisis requires a “massive response” from the international community, the United Nations has said.

The storm left at least 1000 dead in the impoverished Caribbean nation, with the toll likely to rise sharply as rescue workers reach previously inaccessible areas.

Matthew, the most powerful Atlantic storm since 2007, last week leveled homes, fouled water sources and killed livestock, leaving victims pleading for help to arrive quickly.

The United Nations has launched a $120 million flash appeal to cover Haiti’s needs for the next three months.

“A massive response is required,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told reporters.

Hundreds of people were rescued by boat and helicopter as floodwaters inundated towns in the state of North Carolina on Monday, and officials warned that life-threatening flooding from swollen rivers would continue for days.