UK pledges support for flood victims in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom government has pledged to provide clean water, sanitation and shelter to over 55,000 vulnerable people in Pakistan affected by the devastating floods.

The announcement was made by Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for South Asia at the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). During a virtual visit, he also discussed how Britain could work with the Pakistani government to tackle climate change.

The £800,000 UK aid package will be given through the National Disaster Consortium (NDC) and will provide immediate relief in rural Sindh to those who have lost their homes in rain-related incidents.

The aid package comes after the UK previously distributed emergency stocks, including hygiene kits and tarpaulins to over 1,118 families in flood-affected districts of Sindh. The UK will work closely with Pakistani authorities to ensure that aid gets to where it is needed most.

“Like everyone in the UK, I have been saddened to see the heart-breaking images of the flooding in Pakistan. The UK stands with Pakistan, ready to help, as entire communities have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones,” Lord Ahmed said.

I’ve been saddened at the devastating images of the flooding in Pakistan. UK aid announced today will ensure life-saving clean water, sanitation & shelter gets to those who need it most. Monsoon flooding serves as a stark reminder of how devastating natural disasters can be. pic.twitter.com/xVMatdvkhA

— Lord (Tariq)Ahmad of Wimbledon (@tariqahmadbt) September 8, 2020

He said the recent monsoon flooding serves as a stark reminder of how devastating natural disasters can be and the dangers of climate change. He also announced to launch a year of climate action from the British High Commission which will save lives, create jobs and protect the environment.

British High Commissioner Christian Turner said following Pakistan’s remarkable success against COVID-19, it is important to support strengthening systems against devastating floods.

The UK urged Pakistan to work together on a green recovery from COVID-19 as part of UK-Pakistan year of climate change action ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow next year.

Lord Ahmed also discussed how the UK can help the country transition to cleaner energy and offered that the UK can help Pakistan make the most of opportunities from the rapidly decreasing cost of renewables.