UN chief asks world to support flood-ravaged Pakistan: After visiting Pakistan on Friday and seeing the devastation caused by the record floods that killed hundreds and forced more than 500,000 people to live in open-air tents, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for aid.
The monsoon rains and floods, which have resulted in at least $10 billion in damages and 1,391 fatalities. It have triggered at least $160 million in emergency financing, which Guterres requested less than two weeks before his arrival.
“I have come to Pakistan to show my profound sympathy with the people here in the wake of the terrible floods. I beg for huge help from the world community as Pakistan reacts to this climatic calamity,” he declared on Twitter before morning.
Last week, the head of the U.N. offered a dire warning on the consequences of climate change.
“Let’s stop sleepwalking into the devastation of our planet by climate change,” he said. “Pakistan is the topic now. It may be your nation tomorrow.
Numerous nations and U.N. organizations have already contributed dozens of planeloads of assistance. In addition, the United States said that it would provide $30 million in relief to flood victims.
The floods have affected over 3.3 million people in Pakistan. Several historical monuments have also been harmed, notably Mohenjo Daro, one of South Asia’s best-preserved ancient urban centers.
Since the 1922 discovery of the remains along the Indus River, it’s been a mystery what happened to the 4,500-year-old civilisation that coexisted with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
The U.N. heritage organization on Thursday announced an emergency sum of $350,000 to assist in the restoration of cultural heritage sites that floods have harmed. Mohenjo Daro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Deputy Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar welcomed Guterres upon his arrival. Guterres will meet with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and other top government and military leaders during his tour.
Sharif advised an American ambassador in town before the U.N. chief’s arrival that the world had to intensify its battle against climate change to prevent additional fatal floods. Senior State Department official Derek Chollet was in Islamabad to evaluate the damage and make arrangements for help.
Chollet reportedly said that the United States would support Pakistan in the aftermath of the floods and provide assistance to help people rebuild.
According to Pakistani authorities, the first American planeload of relief will arrive in Pakistan on Friday. In addition, Washington is reportedly building up a humanitarian aid air bridge to transfer desperately needed supplies to flood victims.
Since June, floods and extreme rains have exacerbated Pakistan’s financial troubles and highlighted climate change’s disproportionate effect on the poor.
According to experts, Pakistan is only responsible for 0.4% of the historical global emissions linked to climate change. The E.U. accounts for 15%, China for 16.5%, and the United States for 25%.
According to the National Disaster Management Agency, the floods in Pakistan have also resulted in 12,722 injuries. Hundreds of kilometers of wrecked roads, collapsed bridges, and damaged schools and hospitals.
