Pakistan flood aid
August 2, 2010
Aid is on its way to flood-hit regions of Pakistan after the European Commission pledged 30 million euros ($39 million) for relief efforts.
Flooding and landslides in the northwestern part of the country have killed at least 1,100 people and left many more homeless.
"The European Commission has adopted a 30-million-euro humanitarian aid decision to assist the most vulnerable people in Pakistan in urgent need of help," it said in a statement.
The money will be used to provide emergency accommodation and blankets as well to treat drinking water and to build toilets, with growing fear that conditions will lead to the spread of cholera and other diseases.
"Pakistan has been hit by terrible floods and more rain is forecast. Our thoughts are with those affected," said EU humanitarian aid commissioner Kristalina Georgieva.
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle also announced that his ministry would be setting aside up to 500,000 euros for the relief effort.
Worst floods in a lifetime
Numerous relief organizations, including Germany's Caritas International, are helping to deliver emergency aid.
According to the United Nations, some 1.1 million Pakistanis have been affected by the flooding which is reported to be the worst in more than 80 years.
More than 30,000 rescuers and troops were involved in relief and rescue efforts in the affected area at the weekend. A Pakistani army spokesman said that some 19,000 people had been moved to safety in helicopters and boats.
Floods and landslides have destroyed hundreds of homes, covering huge tracts of farmland. In Pakistani-administered Kashmir, the main highway to China is reported to be cut with communities isolated.
Author: Richard Connor (AFP/dpa/KNA)
Editor: Nigel Tandy