Australia Increases Aid to Pakistan Amidst Devastating Floods
Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith announced an additional 24 million Australian dollars ($21.5 million USD) to aid flood victims in Pakistan, bringing the total aid pledged to 35 million Australian dollars ($31 million USD). The gesture comes as the United Nations and Pakistan issue urgent appeals for more aid, citing the worst humanitarian disaster Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has ever seen. The situation continues to deteriorate, with grave fears that the flooding will worsen.
Key Takeaways:
- The Australian government will provide an additional 24 million Australian dollars ($21.5 million USD) to aid flood victims in Pakistan, bringing the total aid pledged to 35 million Australian dollars ($31 million USD).
- The funds will be allocated towards the World Food Program, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and Australian non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- The United Nations estimates that up to 3.5 million children are at risk from deadly disease in Pakistan's flood-affected areas.
- The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that water-borne diseases could trigger a second wave of deaths from the floods.
- It is estimated that up to 20 million people have been affected by the floods in Pakistan, with over 750,000 homes damaged or destroyed.
Statistics:
- 24 million Australian dollars ($21.5 million USD) additional aid pledged by Australia.
- 35 million Australian dollars ($31 million USD) total aid pledged by Australia.
- 10 million dollars ($9 million USD) allocated to the World Food Program for emergency supplies.
- 2.5 million dollars ($2.2 million USD) allocated to UNICEF for water sanitation equipment.
- 2.5 million dollars ($2.2 million USD) allocated to Australian non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- Up to 3.5 million children at risk from deadly disease in Pakistan's flood-affected areas.
- Up to 20 million people affected by the floods in Pakistan.
- Over 750,000 homes damaged or destroyed.
Sources:
- XINHUA via COMTEX (Aug 16, 2010)
- XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (Copyright 2010)