care Prof:
UNICEF has appealed for $47.3 million to fund its relief operation for the millions hit by flooding in Pakistan, which consists of an estimated 1.4 million children. Pakistan is facing the worst flooding in far more than 80 years. Heavy monsoon rains have affected close to 4 million people across the country.
“UNICEF is ramping up its relief operation for the millions of folks affected by the flooding in Pakistan. Many of those are youngsters who are especially vulnerable to disease and the present harsh conditions. They need water, medicine, food and shelter urgently. Our immediate priority is to reach all those hit by the flooding especially those inside the most remote areas,” said Martin Mogwanja, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.
The UNICEF relief operation will concentrate on the crucial areas of water and sanitation, health, nutrition, education and child protection. The largest part together with the operation is the provision of water and sanitation systems to head off the outbreak of diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera, especially deadly to youngsters. UNICEF is already providing clean drinking water to over half a million folks and will bring in emergency food rations and emergency health kits.
The flooding has caused widespread destruction of infrastructure with roads submerged and bridges swept away. Power lines are down and several hospitals, schools and sanitation systems have been severely damaged. There is also concern in the damage to crops and livestock in regions where agriculture could be the main source of income.
“The appeal also reflects our concern for the longer-term recovery operation in regions where essential infrastructures has been affected and livestock and crops have been wiped out,” stated Mr. Mogwanja.
The figures inside the appeal will continue to be revised according to information coming in from ongoing assessments and response efforts will probably be coordinated through inter-agency Cluster Response Plans.
Source:
UNICEF