UN steps up assistance to Pakistan over severe flooding

The UN team is stepping up its response to severe rains and flooding across Pakistan which have reportedly killed over 1,000 people, a UN spokesman said on Monday, reported xinhua.

The United Nations, along with the Pakistani government, are planning a flash appeal of 160 million U.S. dollars for immediate relief activities to meet the needs of the most vulnerable, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The appeal will be launched Tuesday simultaneously from Geneva and Islamabad, Dujarric told a daily press briefing.

The United Nations has already mobilized about 7 million dollars including redirecting existing programs and resources to meet the most urgent needs, he said.

The ongoing assistance includes food aid and nutrition, medical supplies and services, safe water, maternal health support, vaccination of livestock and shelter.

In addition, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated 3 million dollars to provide health, nutrition, food, water, sanitation and hygiene services to those who most need it, said the spokesman.