ISLAMABAD: Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres visited flood-affected areas in Sindh today and urged the developed nations to assist Pakistan as the international body’s help is “a drop in the ocean” compared to what is needed to rebuild the infrastructure damaged by catastrophic floods.
The UN’s chief is in Pakistan on two-day visit to see devastation caused by rains and flooding in Pakistan and seek world’s help for affected people in the country. Saturday is the last day of his two-day visit to Pakistan.
About 1,400 people have died in flooding in a third of the country — an area the size of the United Kingdom — and swept away crops, destroyed homes, businesses, roads, and bridges.
Guterres is optimistic that his visit to Pakistan will galvanise support for the country that needs at least $10 billion to repair damaged infrastructure.
He told media persons in Sukkur that there needs to be a serious discussion on loss and damages as “what the UN is doing in Pakistan is ‘a drop in the ocean’ of what is needed”.
“We are perfectly aware of our limited capacity and our resources. But you can absolutely be sure about one thing: were are in total solidarity with the Pakistani people.”
Guterres said that he will ask the world to ensure that they help Pakistan now and also vowed to raise awareness about the disastrous situation.
Guterres said that huge damages and losses were caused by the floods to human lives and properties.
Greenhouse gases have accelerated climate change and the nations with larger greenhouse emission footprints must understand these issues, Guterres added.
The United Nations has already launched a flash appeal for $160 million in aid to help Pakistan cope with the disaster.
