THE UN said yesterday that $1.6 billion (£1.01bn) was now needed to face a “looming humanitarian catastrophe” in Yemen.

“Over 21 million people, 80 per cent of the population, now need humanitarian aid or protection,” warned UN spokesman Jens Laerke.

UN Humanitarian Affairs chief Stephen O’Brien launched the appeal, telling donors of a “looming catastrophe” in Yemen with families struggling to find food.