UN makes record aid appeal amid disasters and Ukraine war

People take refuge in a relief camp set up on a higher ground surrounded by floodwaters in Pakistan (Fareed Khan/AP)

The United Nations said on Thursday that it is asking member states for a record 51.5 billion US dollars in aid funding for next year, as disasters and the ongoing war in Ukraine drive up humanitarian needs worldwide.

The global body’s humanitarian office said the funds are needed to help 339 million people in 69 countries, an increase of 65 million people compared with the same time last year.