More than 14 million people have now been affected by floods that have devastated large parts of the country.

Torrential rain continues to fall, more areas are at high risk of flooding and hundreds of thousands of people are on the move.

The United Nations is appealing desperately for money, but the urgent needs are shelter, food and basic household goods.

The figures are quite staggering: more than 55,000 tents and 31,500 plastic tarpaulins have already been delivered, some from Australia, so that 500,000 people will have some shelter.

Crops have been wiped out and flood victims are trying to save as much livestock as they can, though how people or animals will eat in coming months is hard to say.

As always with floods like this, the victims must have access to clean water or face the risk of deadly diseases.

And then there’s the medical help required, especially for children, pregnant women and old people.

World Vision and other charities in Australia are appealing for funds and those who can help should do so.