UNITED NATIONS, Oct 20: The United Nations is facing its worst logistical nightmare ever as it scrambles to save the lives of tens of thousands of quake survivors in inaccessible areas of Pakistan in an unprecedented race against time that dwarfs efforts after last year’s Indian Ocean tsunami, the UN emergency relief coordinator said on Thursday.

In order to secure more funds for the UN flash appeal, the emergency donors’ conference to be held in Geneva next week would be attended by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the leaders of Nato, European Union, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Council of Europe and representatives of 191 member states.

Mr Annan, according to diplomatic sources here, may visit Pakistan early November to assess the damage for himself in view of the unprecedented humanitarian tragedy.

However, Mr Annan’s spokesman could not immediately confirm his immediate travel plans other than his trip to Geneva to attend the donors’ conference.