The United Nations issued a flash appeal launching in Islamabad and Geneva, on Tuesday for $160 million to help Pakistan cope with floods that have killed more than 1,100 people, affected 33 million, and destroyed homes, businesses, infrastructure and crops.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking through a video link during the 2022 Pakistan Floods Response Plan (FRP) event, said infrastructure in the affected areas of Pakistan was destroyed by the floods and the country was in dire need of help from the international community to help those affected.
He said Pakistan is in need of $160 million in aid for the flood victims, adding that greenhouse gases are causing an increase in global warming.
Both the Government of Pakistan and UN in Pakistan are jointly launching a Flood Response Plan for immediate, life- saving humanitarian assistance.
“This appeal is the minimum needed for our international contribution. I thank those countries who have already supported us, and yet I ask you to do much more”- Julien Harneis, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also appealed for emergency assistance to Pakistan during these times of distress. “Providing food, a roof and rehabilitation to the victims is a big challenge,” Bilalwal said, adding that the Benazir Income Support Programme has also been helping the affected families.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UN Resident Coordinator in Islamabad, and the Assistant Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) will also speak at the event.
“The launch event will be attended by all UN Member States as well as various UN agencies and humanitarian organizations working in the area of disaster relief. The FRP will acknowledge the Government’s overall humanitarian response to the recent floods caused by unprecedented rains in Pakistan,” the FO added.
