UN appeals to continue financial assistance to help flood affected people in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Despite completion of recovery and relief operation in the affected areas in last year's flood in Pakistan, the people still need more help and assistance for revival of normal life with all basic needs in the early recovery operation going on in these areas.

This was stated by Special Envoy of United Nations Secretary General for Assistance to Pakistan Rauf Engin Soysal while addressing a press conference on the completion of one year following the last year's devastated flood. One-fifth of the country was submerged by the flood waters, over 18 million people were affected and 14 million people are in need of humanitarian aid and 1980 people lost their lives.

Ambassador Rauf Engin Soysal said UN issued a special appeal to for dollars 1.9 billion for rescue and relief operation in the affected areas and it was the highest ever appeal made by UN.

Rauf Engin Soysal said, "We should acknowledge the resilience, strength and courage of the people of Pakistan."

He said that he visited different affected areas through out Pakistan to personally review the recovery and relief operation in the affected areas.

Rauf said, "I was pleased to learn that both beneficiaries and authorities recognize how important the role of UN and NGOs were in complementing Pakistani efforts. This would not have happened without the generous contributions of the donor community."

Regarding one year report prepared by UN, Rauf said, "The document which will provide information about what we did during the course of the year."

"We certainly need to do more. We certainly need to draw lessons. Yet we certainly need to keep up the momentum to continue to deliver the promises we made on year ago to our brothers and sisters in Pakistan," he said.

Replying to a question he said out of dollar 1.9 billion more than 70 percent have been realized and expressed the hope that the remaining 30 percent would also be received.

He said there has been a comprehensive "check and balance" mechanism within United Nations system and the funds were utilized under a strict check and balance system to ensure fully utilization of the funds.

He said a comprehensive survey was conducted in the affected areas and data is available according to the affected male, female and children along with damage to housing and property.

Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Zafar Iqbal Qadir addressing the press conference said the Authority with the cooperation of the provincial governments and district authorities has prepared contingent plan to cope with any crisis during the current monsoon season.

The Chairman NDMA said 99 percent people affected due to last year floods have returned to their homes and living either in their damaged houses of make shift arrangements.

He said 97 percent affected people have been issued Watan Cards to provide cash through an transparent system while efforts are being made to provide these cards to the remaining three percent population affected in these floods.

Zafar Iqbal Qadir said 57 percent schools have been repaired and open for education while repairing process for remaining schools is underway.

He however, said there are no chance of last year's like flood situation during the current season of rains, adding that last year's flood was one of the worst in century.

Acting Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Mengesha Kebede, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Zafar Iqbal Qadir and the Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF) Chairperson Jack Byrne also presented their feelings following the one year of flood in Pakistan.

The report of United Nations launched on this occasion on the floods one year provides an overview of the floods response including the achievements, challenges and lessons learned, emphasizing the crucial recovery work that continues today.

According to the report, 75 percent funds were provided for food security, while more than 50 percent funds provided for shelter and non-food items, water sanitation and hygiene, agriculture, health, coordination and support services, education and crop management.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011