United Nations Radio

Secretary-General Kofi Annan warns that the needs are enormous in the countries devastated by the tsunamis.

The Secretary-General told Cable News Network the people need food, clean water, shelter and medicines. He says UN teams are already in the affected countries coordinating national, regional and international efforts. And he adds that while the emergency phase is aimed at getting relief to the people and trying to save lives, the next phase is one of recovery and reconstruction.

"My guess is that will require billions. It's going to require billions. Next month, on the 6th of January, we will make an appeal for funds to cover the emergency aspects, in Geneva and New York."