The flooding disaster in Pakistan is an enormous humanitarian crisis. 14 million people have been affected, six millions are in dire need of aid. 288.000 houses have so far been washed away.
–We are seeing a natural disaster of enormous proportions and with humanitarian suffering. Several million people have lost their livelihoods. This disaster adds to a long line of political challenges for Pakistan, which underlines the severity of the situation, says the Norwegian minister of foreign affairs Jonas Gahr Støre.
UN said yesterday that it would at least take 459 million dollars in aid to Pakistan. The flooding destructions is not over, it still rains in the affected areas. The long term need for restoration is huge.
-It is just painful to see the extent of the enormous catastrophe. Many people are still isolated. We have to reach the vulnerable groups such as children and women with clean water, carpets, tents and food. We have to do all that is in our power to stop the wave of diseases that comes with the dirty flooding water, says minister of Environment- and International Development Erik Solheim.
Norway has earlier contributed with 30 million NOK, and is now increasing its aid to Pakistan to 100 million NOK. The money will be distributed to UN’s humanitarian organizations, ICRC and other volunteering organizations with close relations and experience with Pakistan.