'Massive response' needed for hurricane-hit Haiti: UN chief

Haiti faces a humanitarian crisis that requires a "massive response" from the international community, the United Nations chief said on Monday, with at least 1.4 million people needing emergency aid following last week's battering by Hurricane Matthew.

The storm left at least 372 dead in the impoverished Caribbean nation, with the toll likely to rise sharply as rescue workers reach more areas.

Matthew leveled homes, fouled water sources and killed livestock, with victims pleading for aid to arrive quickly.

The United Nations has launched a US$120 million flash appeal to cover the needs in Haiti for the next three months.

"A massive response is required," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told reporters. "Some towns and villages have been almost wiped off the map," he said. "These numbers and needs are growing as more affected areas are reached."

After pummeling Haiti on Oct 4 as a monster Category 4 storm, packing winds of 230 kilometres per hour, Matthew slammed into the southeastern United States, where it killed 20 people.