UN appeals for earthquake victims

The United Nations has launched an appeal for more than $1.4 billion for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.



It’s the biggest ever appeal from the UN in response to a natural disaster.



The world body says the money will maintain humanitarian relief efforts for a year and lay the groundwork for early recovery.



The short-term priorities are shelter and sanitation facilities.



Earlier, the UN humanitarian affairs chief, John Holmes, criticised the performance of aid agencies in response to the Haitian earthquake.



He urged a more aggressive approach to tackle the aftermath of the disaster.