Australia Increases Aid to Pakistan Amidst Devastating Floods

Strategic Insights -

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)