UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations and humanitarian partners have reduced the emergency flash appeal for victims of the Beirut blast, a UN spokesman said on Friday.
"We, along with our humanitarian partners, are now seeking 344 million U.S. dollars to help 300,000 people with immediate life-saving needs, as well as to help move the country toward recovery, for the next three months," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The original request following the Aug. 4 explosion in Beirut port was 565 million dollars.
"The flash appeal, which was initially launched on Aug. 14, has been revised downward to reflect operational realities and evolving needs," Dujarric said.
Beyond humanitarian assistance, Lebanon requires substantial and long-term assistance to support reconstruction and economic recovery, he said. Enditem
