1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
German coalition collapseMiddle EastUS election

Pakistan flood aid

August 2, 2010

Europe is sending 30 million euros in relief aid to Pakistan after the country's worst flooding in decades. At least 1,100 people have died in floods, with many more homeless as fears of disease grow.

https://p.dw.com/p/OZc4
Local residents transport their belonging through a street flooded by heavy monsoon rains
The flooding in Pakistan swept away many homesImage: AP

Aid is on its way to flood-hit regions of Pakistan after the European Commission pledged 30 million euros ($39 million) for relief efforts.

Flooding and landslides in the northwestern part of the country have killed at least 1,100 people and left many more homeless.

"The European Commission has adopted a 30-million-euro humanitarian aid decision to assist the most vulnerable people in Pakistan in urgent need of help," it said in a statement.

Kristalina Georgieva, EU commissioner for humanitarian aid
Georgieva warned that more rain was forecastImage: AP

The money will be used to provide emergency accommodation and blankets as well to treat drinking water and to build toilets, with growing fear that conditions will lead to the spread of cholera and other diseases.

"Pakistan has been hit by terrible floods and more rain is forecast. Our thoughts are with those affected," said EU humanitarian aid commissioner Kristalina Georgieva.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle also announced that his ministry would be setting aside up to 500,000 euros for the relief effort.

Worst floods in a lifetime

Numerous relief organizations, including Germany's Caritas International, are helping to deliver emergency aid.

A Pakistan army helicopter evacuates stranded villagers
Pakistan's army said some 19,000 people had been rescued by air or boatImage: ap

According to the United Nations, some 1.1 million Pakistanis have been affected by the flooding which is reported to be the worst in more than 80 years.

More than 30,000 rescuers and troops were involved in relief and rescue efforts in the affected area at the weekend. A Pakistani army spokesman said that some 19,000 people had been moved to safety in helicopters and boats.

Floods and landslides have destroyed hundreds of homes, covering huge tracts of farmland. In Pakistani-administered Kashmir, the main highway to China is reported to be cut with communities isolated.

Author: Richard Connor (AFP/dpa/KNA)

Editor: Nigel Tandy

Skip next section Explore more

Explore more

external

Pakistan's worst flooding in decades kills over a thousand (02.08.2010)

Pakistan's worst flooding in decades kills over a thousand (02.08.2010)

Pakistani authorities say floods have now killed more than eleven hundred people. The week long heavy rains in the country's northwest have left more than a million people without basic services. Homes and bridges have been destroyed and authorities have reported the first cholera cases in the worst hit-areas. Survivors are cramming into overcrowded shelters exhausted and angry about what they claim is government inaction.
August 2, 201001:31 min
Pakistan's population is growing fast

Population growth: a neglected problem in Pakistan

Population growth: a neglected problem in Pakistan

Pakistan currently ranks sixth among the world's countries with regard to population. Pakistan's National Population Council says the population is expected to rise from 173 million at present to 240 million by 2030. (19.07.2010)
July 19, 2010
Indian paramilitary soldiers patrol a deserted street during a strike in Srinagar

Continued violence in Kashmir overshadows talks between India and Pakistan

Continued violence in Kashmir overshadows talks between India and Pakistan

As India and Pakistan try to revive their stalled peace process, the crisis in Indian-administered Kashmir continues to fester to the detriment of relations between Islamabad and New Delhi. (15.07.2010)
July 15, 2010
Show more stories