'Pakistan flood victims need urgent help'

THE High Commissioner of Pakistan in Brunei Darussalam Lt Gen (Rtd) Sallah Ud Din yesterday reiterated the need for urgent assistance for 20 million victims of Pakistan's worst-ever floods.

Addressing a press conference at Pakistan High Commission here, Lt Gen (Rtd) Sallah Ud Din applauded the government of His Majesty, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for initiating Pakistan Flood Victims Humanitarian Fund.

"The fund is testimony of the generosity and benevolence of the people of Brunei. The government and the people of Brunei have once again shown their genuine concern and sympathy for the misery and affliction of over 20 million people affected by the floods in Pakistan," he said.

The government of Pakistan, he said, has mobilised all its national resources and mounted rescue and relief operations, with valuable assistance from friends.

"Even as we undertake these efforts, the people in affected areas need more support including tents, blankets, mats, food items, water filtration plants and medicines," the High Commissioner said.

The United Nations has described Pakistan's worst humanitarian crisis as one of the world's biggest disasters. At least six million survivors are dependent on humanitarian aid to survive, in desperate need of food, shelter and clean drinking water, with concerns growing over potential outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and hepatitis.

The United Nations has estimated that US$459 million ($620 million) may be required for early recovery phase while the cost of rehabilitation and reconstruction is likely to be in the range of billions.

Lt Gen (Rtd) Sallah Ud Din said the embassy had also set up an account in Brunei for flood relief assistance and the donations could be sent directly to the Prime Minister's Flood Relief Fund through HSBC account number 001-690452-056.

The High Commission, he said, will organise a walkathon in Brunei after Hari Raya Aidil Fitri to create awareness about the devastation of the floods in Pakistan.

Appreciating the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Brunei, the High Commissioner hoped that the people of Brunei will generously contribute to help the flood victims. The Brunei Times