UK response to Pakistan flood appeal

11 August 2010

The UK is sending four further plane loads of aid to Pakistan and will provide additional assistance to help thousands more people affected by the monsoon flooding, Secretary of State for International Development Andrew Mitchell announced today. UK aid to the country will help around 1.5 million people.

The announcement is the UK Government’s response to today’s UN Pakistan Appeal. Andrew Mitchell urged other countries to respond generously and urgently.  He also today welcomed the British public’s significant donations to the DEC charitable appeal.

The planes, chartered by the UK Department for International Development, are arriving this week at Islamabad military airbase, bringing 1000 more tents, 9032 shelter kits to provide shelter for around 50,000 people, 24,000 water containers, and 48,625 blankets.

In addition, the UK Government will help around half a million malnourished children and pregnant women by providing high energy food supplements, treating 9,000 severely malnourished children, and training 3,000 lady health workers to provide emergency health care such as rehydration treatment for children.

Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell, said:

“This is a disaster on a huge scale covering an area the size of England. Nearly seven million people are critically affected. 

“That is why today I’m announcing further help for the people of Pakistan.

“The UK’s contribution to the emergency relief effort so far means we are providing vital life saving assistance for around 1.5 million people.

The Government’s significant relief and recovery effort goes hand in hand with the British public’s support to the DEC appeal, which has reached nearly £10 million today.  The British people’s response to these tragic events demonstrates their characteristic generosity and compassion.

“The scale of this disaster demands a major international effort.  I urge other countries to come forward to help the Pakistani people in their hour of need.”

Today's announcement – in response to a global appeal by the UN – follows aid previously provided by the UK, which is helping people affected by the floods to access safe drinking water, toilets, emergency shelter, health care, sanitation and other essentials.

Following the launch of the appeal, the UK Government has now earmarked up to £31.3 million for the relief and recovery effort.  As of today, £16.8 million has been allocated. The emerging needs assessments on the ground will inform how the further resources are used.

A summary of the UK Government’s contributions to date can be viewed here: http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Media-Room/News-Stories/2010/Floods-in-Pakistan/