WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State’s adviser Derek Chollet said the world needs to step up to help Pakistan as it needs more aid than pledged by the world at the request of the United Nations.
Mr Chollet said the US has already contributed $55 million toward flood relief, while the UN has already allocated $160 million to help Pakistan’s flood victims. But there will undoubtedly be more needed in Pakistan.
“Just devastation that’s hard to get your mind around,” Counselor of the US State Department Derek Chollet was quoted as saying in Daily Dawn.
According to Derek Chollet, the flood-related crisis would likely last for several months because a sizable portion of the nation and many localities may be inundated for an extended period of time.
Mr Chollet warned that the worst was yet to come. The flood and the displacement of millions of people, he said, was a near term crisis for Pakistan.
It will destroy crops and lead to sickness and other health problems that will necessitate ongoing medical care. It seems obvious that a sizable portion of Pakistan’s important crops would be destroyed by these floods, Mr. Chollet added.
Chollet visited Pakistan along with other US officials from the Defense Department, White House, USAID and UN high-ups this month.
In order to help Pakistan at this crucial time, the world must remain focused on this issue, he continued.
He declared that the US would “do its part” to persuade the international community to continue aiding Pakistan during the 77th session of the UN General Assembly.
We’re going to keep our attention on the flood situation and work closely with our colleagues across Pakistan to figure out the best course of action.
