News
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Iran allocates another $100m for flood victims
* Canada sending additional $7.3 million, while China and US also contribute essential supplies for flood affectees
ISLAMABAD: The Iranian government has allocated $100 million as fresh budget for relief assistance to the flood-affected people of Pakistan.
The decision came in the wake of a sermon delivered by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to an Eidul Fitr congregation in Tehran.
The majority of Iranian aid will be allocated for rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged by floods in the affected regions of the country.
In his sermon, Khamenei expressed sorrow and regret, and urged the entire Muslim world to rush to the help of flood victims in Pakistan.
Canada: Canada said on Tuesday it was sending an additional $7.3 million, bringing Ottawa’s total contribution so far to $39.6 million.
Beverley Oda, Canada’s minister of international cooperation, said the latest contribution makes Canada the fourth largest donor in response to the floods in Pakistan.
“The need for immediate and ongoing humanitarian aid is still very great and organisations on the ground are working tirelessly to provide the essentials to save lives and prevent disease,” Oda said.
“The Canadian government continues to support their humanitarian efforts and help those trying to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. This effort over the short and longer term will require the support of all Canadians.”
The additional funds will be used to support logistics and air transport capacity for the humanitarian response via the UN World Food Programme. They also will help deploy a further 5,000 shelter kits, 3,600 kitchen sets, 2,128 hygiene kits, and 14,000 tarpaulins.
The United Nations has stepped up appeals for aid after its initial call resulted in about two-thirds of the $460 million sought.
United States: Two more US-organised relief flights arrived in Islamabad over the weekend carrying additional water purification equipment and related supplies for the victims of Pakistan’s monsoon flood disaster.
The flights organised by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) brought 19,200 10-litre water containers, two large water storage bladders and more than 15 million water purification tablets.
The water purification supplies are sufficient to chlorinate 150 million litres of water. Previously, USAID provided 13 mobile water treatment units, each of which can produce enough safe drinking water for 20,000 people a day; 10 20,000-litre water storage bladders; and more than 200,000 10-litre water containers.
The US has provided more than $261 million in emergency humanitarian assistance to the flood affected people.
The US also has provided other civilian and military assistance in the form of halal meals, pre-fabricated steel bridges and other infrastructure support, as well as air support to and within Pakistan to transport goods and rescue people, valued at $40 million.
Pakistani community: The Pakistani community in Canada has donated $70,000 for the flood affectees in order to mitigate their sufferings. The funds will be used for rehabilitation for the flood-affected areas of the country.
Chinese children: About 100 primary-level students of Beijing International Academy of Arts and Science, including those of the kindergarten, donated $3,100 for the flood-affected people of Pakistan at a ceremony held at the campus on Tuesday.
China has also dispatched its second medical team comprising 59 doctors and paramedics to Pakistan while a cargo plane brought 1,350 tents for the flood victims on Tuesday morning. agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk