In an effort to help millions of people affected by the deadly floods in South Asia, the UN is stepping up its financial support to governments.
UNITED NATIONS: In an effort to help millions of people affected by the deadly floods in South Asia including India, the United Nations' humanitarian arm is stepping up its financial support to governments across the region.
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes announced on Friday that the world body will provide up to USD 20 million to assist governments and to boost the in-country capacity of the United Nations and its partner non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
At least 2,200 deaths in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan have been linked to the floods, caused largely by heavy monsoon rains this year. Government figures indicate that more than four million hectares of crops have also been damaged, the world body said.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that the most urgent needs include food, temporary shelter, medicines and mosquito nets.
The UN has already allocated about USD 4.4 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to Pakistan to help that country respond to heavy rains and flooding last month in the wake of Cyclone Yemyin and monsoon rains.
But Holmes said the recovery effort there is being hampered by the fact that the UN has received less than one-third of the USD 38 million it appealed for to complement the emergency activities of the Pakistani Government.
About 2.5 million people were affected by the floods which hit Balochistan and Sindh provinces. Over 300 people were killed and more than 240 others remained missing.
At least 700,000 people have not been able to return to their homes and live in makeshift roadside camps or in collective centres such as schools or other public buildings.
"For most families affected by these floods, the recovery of their livelihoods will be arduous and protracted," said Holmes, who is also Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.
"Six weeks with nothing but uncertainty can feel like forever. I hope that donors will respond quickly and generously."
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