UN seeks 301 mln USD assistance for typhoon-hit Philippines

The United Nations appealed Tuesday to the international community for 301 million U.S. dollars to be extended to the victims of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

UN Undersecretary-general for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos made the appeal at the launch of the "Philippines: Typhoon Haiyan Action Plan" at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

About 11.3 million people have been affected by the typhoon and 673,000 are homeless, according to the UN.

"This is such a major tragedy for the Philippines. We have already seen so many crisis but this one is the most deadly and destructive," Amos said .

"While it's too early to tell the scale of the destruction, it's clear that the needs are huge," Amos said. "We know that people need help now."

The six-month plan aims to provide assistance to 11.3 million people affected by Haiyan in nine regions in the Philippines.