[xtypo_dropcap]T[/xtypo_dropcap]he United Nations requested on Wednesday $460 million in aid for Pakistan while heavy floods continue to batter the region killing hundreds and affecting millions of people.[etssp 88]
Free-flowing water traveling a thousand of miles from the north to the eastern part of the country is sweeping away villages, crops, and property on its way, as well as hampering humanitarian efforts.
Flash floods and river valley floods in the country have affected more than 14 million people and killed at least 1,200.
“We have a huge task in front of us to deliver all that is required as soon as possible,” John Holmes, U.N. Emergency Relief coordinator, said in a statement.
The U.N. reported that the funds requested under its initial floods emergency response plan would be revised within 30 days.
“We are working [a]round the clock to get these items manufactured and delivered,” said Martin Mogwanja, Humanitarian coordinator for Pakistan. “I can confidently say that the response could not be any faster.”
The organization said that about 6 million people across the country are in need of food and water.
The northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the worst affected region, has received about nine meters (29.53 feet) of rainfall—10 times more than the province normally gets—since the flooding started in late July, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
The Pakistani government has already been criticized at home for its slow or nonexistent humanitarian response.
The U.N. said that the number of people affected has already exceeded the impact of the devastating earthquake from 2005.
The World Health Organization reported that acute diarrhea, scabies, and acute respiratory tract infections are the main health problems arising among those affected by the floods.
Free-flowing water traveling a thousand of miles from the north to the eastern part of the country is sweeping away villages, crops, and property on its way, as well as hampering humanitarian efforts.
Flash floods and river valley floods in the country have affected more than 14 million people and killed at least 1,200.
“We have a huge task in front of us to deliver all that is required as soon as possible,” John Holmes, U.N. Emergency Relief coordinator, said in a statement.
The U.N. reported that the funds requested under its initial floods emergency response plan would be revised within 30 days.
“We are working [a]round the clock to get these items manufactured and delivered,” said Martin Mogwanja, Humanitarian coordinator for Pakistan. “I can confidently say that the response could not be any faster.”
The organization said that about 6 million people across the country are in need of food and water.
The northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the worst affected region, has received about nine meters (29.53 feet) of rainfall—10 times more than the province normally gets—since the flooding started in late July, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
The Pakistani government has already been criticized at home for its slow or nonexistent humanitarian response.
The U.N. said that the number of people affected has already exceeded the impact of the devastating earthquake from 2005.
The World Health Organization reported that acute diarrhea, scabies, and acute respiratory tract infections are the main health problems arising among those affected by the floods.
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