UN launches $357mn immediate relief for flood victims 2011

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations has launched the Rapid Response Plan (RSP) for Pakistan Floods 2011 asking for assistance worth US $ 357 million to help the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to respond to the needs of over 5.4 million people affected by monsoon rains and flooding in southern Pakistan.

The Plan is based on six months needs and will be revised within 30 days to reflect the evolving humanitarian needs, said a Foreign Office press release issued here Tuesday.

The Plan was launched by Timo Pakkala, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan. Dr Firdous Aashiq Awan, Minister for Information, representatives of diplomatic missions, international agencies, INGO's and senior government officials were present at the launch.

Mr. Pakkala urged the international community to support the RSP. This would help save human lives. He added that international partners should assist in the government-led effort to meet the immediate needs of the affected people.

Minister for Information thanked the United Nations for the Plan and requested an urgent response to address the needs of the affected people in Sindh and Balochistan.

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs also released the Rapid Response Plan Floods 2011 in Geneva on September 19 in coordination with the Pakistan Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Minister for Information addressed the participants in Geneva through video link from Lahore. A presentation was made from Islamabad by Member Operations and Humanitarian Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Dr Awan urged the international community to generously contribute to the Plan and help the affected people. She assured the participants that the Pakistan government will ensure transparency and accountability in the delivery of relief goods.

Ambassador Zamir Akram, Pakistan Permanent Representative in Geneva, thanked representatives of member states and international organizations for their expression of support.

The assessment of the affected population is ongoing. NDMA estimates that as of 20 September, the affected population in Sindh and Balochistan has risen to over 8.15 million.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011