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Disaster victims

Angelina Jolie Visits Flood Victims in Pakistan, Calls for International Aid

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

U.S. movie star Angelina Jolie met flood victims in northwestern Pakistan yesterday and appealed to the international community to provide aid needed to help the country recover from its worst natural disaster. The 35-year-old actress, who serves as a "goodwill ambassador" for the UN's refugee agency, met with people whose lives have been devastated by the floods, including mothers who lost their children and an elderly Pakistani couple who feared they would never be able to rebuild the home they lost.

Key Takeaways:

  • Angelina Jolie visited flood victims in northwestern Pakistan, meeting with those whose lives have been devastated by the disaster, including mothers who lost their children and an elderly Pakistani couple.
  • The actor emphasized the need for international aid, stating that she hopes her visit will bring attention to the situation for all those in need in Pakistan.
  • The floods began in the northwest in late July, killing over 1,700 people and affecting 17 million people, with many in need of emergency assistance to survive.
  • The UN issued an appeal for $460 million in emergency funds on August 11, but only 64% ($294 million) has been received so far, with donations appearing to dry up in recent days.
  • Ajay Chhibber, UN assistant secretary general, expressed hope that Jolie's visit will have a significant impact on the inflow of aid money, keeping people focused on the crisis.

Statistics:

  • 1,700 people killed in the floods
  • 17 million people affected by the floods
  • $460 million: the amount of emergency funds appealed for by the UN on August 11
  • $294 million (64%): the amount of emergency funds received so far
  • $166 million (36%): the amount still needed to reach the target

Sources:

  • The Washington Post (date not provided)
  • The Hamilton Spectator, August 11, 2010 (date of UN appeal)
  • The Associated Press (date not provided)
  • The Hamilton Spectator, August 2010 (date not provided)
  • Mohammad Asjad (photographer, The Associated Press)

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