Saturday, October 22 2005 13:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: Warning that the approaching winter may lead to more deaths in quake-hit areas of Pakistan and POK, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has written to all member States appealing for an 'immediate and exceptional escalation' in aid for survivors following the world body's failure to raise the needed funds.

The next few weeks are critical for millions of survivors, Annan wrote in his letter, "As winter approaches, it is a race against time to provide shelter to the over 3 million homeless who are still, for the most part, sleeping in the open and risking exposure."

The UN has got only 43 million dollars of 312 million dollars sought in a flash appeal and another 43 million dollars have been pledged- that is less than one-third it has asked for.

Asking the members states to pledge generously, the Secretary-General said, "Channeling your assistance through the coordinated United Nations humanitarian system ensures that your precious contribution will immediately go to urgent life-saving priorities."

To galvanize additional support the UN is convening a ministerial-level meeting in Geneva on Wednesday.

Stating that more than 40,000 people have already died in the disaster, Annan underscored the need for helicopter support, winterized tents and other temporary shelters for the quake survivors.