UN to seek tens of millions of dollars more in aid for storm-hit Philippines

A typhoon on the heels of last month's tropical storm triggered landslides and widespread flooding in the northern Philippines, killing at least 669 people since Sept. 26. About 6 million people have been affected and the cost of damage is estimated at $336 million, officials said.

The U.N. flash appeal for $74 million in aid for the Philippines has so far generated $19 million, and another $25 million has been committed separately, said John Holmes, the U.N. undersecretary for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief.

The U.N. is ready to call for more aid after a final assessment of the extent of damage is made, he said. Holmes said he expected that another appeal ask for an additional tens of million of dollars.

He said he was impressed that major donors had maintained their humanitarian aid budget despite domestic pressures from the global economic crisis.

"Even though the immediate effects of these typhoons have passed, we face many months of hard work, relief and recovery and reconstruction ahead," Holmes told reporters.