Annan visits Asia quake victims

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan today warned of a “gigantic task” ahead for quake recovery efforts in northern Pakistan, while aid groups warned that emergency help was urgently needed even as donor nations gather to discuss long-term reconstruction.

Visiting families sheltering in tents inside the quake zone, Annan said he would renew funding appeals at tomorrow’s donor conference for what he called “one of the largest humanitarian tragedies we’ve had to deal with”.