Somalia appeals for tsunami aid

SOMALIA appealed for international aid for victims of the deadly tsunami that slammed its shores, with an official saying yesterday that at least 50,000 people urgently need food, water, shelter and medical help after losing their homes and livelihoods.

Presidential spokesman Yusuf Mohamed Ismail said 24 countries - including the US, Italy, Germany and Saudi Arabia - have pledged to send relief, but nothing has arrived more than a week after the killer waves hit the east coast of Africa.

At least 200 people were killed and many others remain missing in Somalia, he said.