News Desk
ISLAMABAD: The Government of Australia has announced to double its support to the Pakistan flood response by providing an additional 5 million Australian dollars in immediate humanitarian aid, bringing its total package to A$10 million.
This new funding will complement the government’s efforts to address the severe nutrition situation facing communities affected by the devastating flooding in Pakistan.
Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Hon Penny Wong said on Wednesday that the growing scale of food insecurity and human suffering was deeply concerning. Australia is committed to ensuring its humanitarian assistance responds to the greatest needs.
Meanwhile, Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, in a meeting with the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority, Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik on 14 February said, “This additional funding will help alleviate the poor food security and nutrition situation, particularly focusing on women and children.”
Australia’s High Commissioner visits Sindh
Last month, the High Commissioner visited Sindh, met with flood-affected communities, and toured their villages.
Reflecting on the visit, Hawkins said, “Thousands of people in Sindh are still suffering from the impacts of the floods. I was pleased to witness our assistance reaching directly into the hands of the most vulnerable. We are determined our support continues to be distributed rapidly and targeting the poorest.”
It is pertinent to mention that Australia’s assistance has supported cash-based transfers, minor rehabilitation works, and logistics in partnership with the World Food Program. Australia will channel this new support through trusted UN and NGO partners.
