Friday, September 24, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Relief Efforts
Pakistan has appealed to international donors for help in responding to the disaster. Twenty-one helicopters and 150 boats were pressed into service to assist the affected people according to the National Disaster Management Authority of Pakistan. The US embassy in Pakistan provided seven helicopters to the authorities to assist in relief-operations. The United Nations also launched relief efforts. It appealed for $460 million to provide immediate help, including food, shelter and clean water. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Pakistan on 15 August to oversee and discuss the relief efforts. A Pakistani army spokesman said that troops had been deployed in all affected areas and had rescued thousands of people. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani visited the province and directed the Pakistan Navy to help evacuate the flood-victims. By early August, more than 352,291 people have been rescued.
According to the Relief web Financial Tracking service, total donations worldwide for humanitarian assistance so far come to $687 million, with a further $324 million promised in uncommitted pledges, as of August 27, 2010.
By the end of August the Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) stated that Muslim countries, organizations and individuals had pledged close to $1 billion to assist in Pakistan’s flood emergency. This statement is placed in doubt by findings from the U.N. Financial Tracking Service that indicate that only 3 of 56 OIC’s member states - Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Kuwait - had pledged more than single digit millions. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani stated that by the end of August Saudi Arabia's support exceeded that of the US, yet both UN data and data from Pakistan's Disaster Management Authority fail to support this claim. Sun Charity USA is one of the private relief outfits active in Pakistan.Merchandise supporting the flood relief efforts is available through zazzle.com/pkflood with all proceeds benefiting UNICEF in Pakistan.
The Imran Khan Foundation is an accredited 501c3 charity that has raised over $2 million towards the flood relief efforts and continues to solicit donations.
Response by national governments
Afghanistan finance minister Omar Zakhilwal handed a cheque worth $1 million to Pakistani ambassador Mohammad Sadiq at the end of a press conference in Afghan capital Kabul.
Australia announced a A$35 million aid-package, as well as committing two C17 Globemaster aircraft to deliver emergency supplies and to assist relief efforts and deploying a medical task force consisting of up to 180 personnel and more than 33 tonnes of equipment
Azerbaijan gave US$2 million financial assistance to help the victims and eliminate the aftermath of the disaster. The Azerbaijani embassy in Pakistan said the Azerbaijani president, Ilham Aliyev ordered to send two Il-76 planes with a humanitarian assistance on board to Pakistan. One of the planes delivered 40 tonnes of humanitarian cargo to Pakistan. Also the staff of Azerbaijan embassy in Pakistan also transferred its two-days’ salary worth around $2,000 to relief fund.
Bangladesh has pledged $2 million for relief and will also dispatch a medical team along with material assistance including tents, blankets, water purification tablets, mineral waters, life saving drugs and vaccines, oral saline, hygiene kit, biscuits and packed dry food.
Brazil donated US$ 0.7 million through World Food Programme or life-saving assistance to the affected.
Canada announced that it would donate $2 million worth of emergency aid. $750,000 are expected to be donated to the ICRC for distribution of shelter-materials and water, sanitation and health-services, while the remainder goes to the WFP to provide much-needed food-assistance. On 14 August the Canadian government announced an additional $32 million Dollar in aid. The Canadian government announced on August 22 that it will match, dollar-for-dollar, citizen donations made to registered charities between August 2 and September 12, later extended to October 3, 2010.On 14 September, an additional $7.5 million in relief aid was announced by the Canadian government.
China has so far provided 320 million yuan (47.1 million USD) worth of humanitarian supplies to Pakistan in four batches. "As Pakistan's neighbor and all-weather friend, China empathizes with Pakistan on the heavy casualties and property loss caused by the natural disasters," said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu. It initially announced that it would provide emergency aid worth 10 million yuan (approx. US$ 1.48 million) to help the flood-victims. The People's Liberation Army donated another 10 million yuan to Pakistan.The Chinese Red Cross has also given US $50,000 in cash to Pakistan. The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan traveled to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and expressed his condolences to those affected by the tragedy. On 13 August, China announced another emergency humanitarian aid worth 50 million yuan (US$7.35 million) bringing the total official Chinese relief aid then to more than 70 million yuan(approx. US$ 10.3 million) to the flood-affected Pakistani people. A Chinese search and rescue team arrived in the southern Pakistani city of Thatta, Sindh Province, where heavy floods swept away hundreds of villages. The Chinese rescue team, consisting of more than 60 members, set up tents and field hospitals to provide medical services to flood victims. The Red Cross Society of China and some of China's local governments, including Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Sichuan Province, had also offered cash and material assistance to Pakistan. China announced another aid package of 200 million RMB on September 6, saying it was sincere, timely and unconditional and that China would continue to offer Pakistan support and help for the reconstruction. Chinese ambassador in Pakistan Lui Jian while meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said that Chinese total contribution has reached 50 million dollars.
Denmark has donated 63 million DKK (11M USD) in relief efforts and another 130 million DKK (22M USD) in further development aid.
The European Union released €10 million to help Pakistan's flood victims on 11 August, as part of emergency aid to flood-stricken country. By 18 August, the EU had committed to spending €70 million (90 million dollars) on aid for victims of the floods.
Finland government donated €1.2 million for humanitarian assistance to the flood victims. €600,000 were channeled through the World Health Organization, €400,000 through the UNHCR and €200,000 through Finn Church Aid.
France donated 1.05 million euros and 35 tonnes of emergency supplies, tarpaulins, tanks, blankets, jerry cans, kitchen sets, water purification tablets, 200 shelters and anti-cholera medicines.
Germany initially committed €1 million for the victims, which was further increased to €2 million on 6 August. On 12 August, Germany announced a $13 million aid package. On 13 August Germany increased its aid commitment by €10 million to now €25 million in direct help plus €43 million via contributions through international organizations with which it is associated. In addition there have been private donations to charities in the scale of €24 million up to 18 August.
Hong Kong has donated HK$ 3 million to World Vision for a relief project for flood victims in Pakistan.
Iceland contributed ISK 23 million (US $190,000) to emergency aid in areas impacted by the monsoon floods in Pakistan.
Indonesia The Government of Indonesia dispatched a cargo flight carrying humanitarian assistance of US$1milliion for the flood victims. The relief assistance which arrived at the Chaklala Air base by a charted cargo flight consisted of 15 tons of emergency supplies included 4.5 tons of ready to eat meals’ packets, 3 tons of medicines, 5 tons of powdered milk for children, 4000 blankets and 4000 Sarongs.On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia the donation of the relief goods was handed over by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Mr. Ishak Latuconsina to the State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr. Sumsam Ali Shah Bukhari at the Chaklala Air base on August 7, 2010.
India, on 13 August, offered condolences and $5 million in financial aid. Pakistan accepted the offer on 20 August, a day after the meeting between Indian and Pakistani Prime Ministers On 1 September 2010, India raised the aid amount to US$25 million. Nearly 400 Indian medical staff have been waiting for the Pakistan government's visa approval to help flood victims. India has also already supplied the first consignment of 25 truck-loads of potato to Pakistan.
Iran had committed over 400 tonnes of relief goods; out of which 330 tonnes had already been delivered by the Iranian transport aircrafts as of 24 August 2010. These goods included tents, floorings, clothes, canned food, bread and medical supplies. Iranian red crescent society has also been on the ground along with Pakistan Red Crescent Society as a part of its ongoing relief operation inside Pakistan to more than 100,000 flood vicitms. In addition to the Iranian government help Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani has announced that one third of collected Khums will be donated to Pakistan for humanitarian assistance. Iran's chamber of commerce also donated US $1 million to the flood affectees.Iran has also offered to setup field hospitals and community centers for flood victims in Pakistan. In response to UN's appeal for help at New York, Iran committed US $10 million towards the flood relief. In addition to this fund, Imam Khomeini Relief Committee was directed to collect private donations from Iranians and donate it to Pakistani government. Iranian interior minister also visited Pakistan as the head of a humanitarian mission assessing the needs of Pakistani people in order to facilitate the distribution of Iranian aid to Pakistan. During the visit the Pakistani interior minister was invited to Tehran for discussing the flood situation among other matters, and the Pakistani minister visited Iran on 22 August 2010. Iranian interior minister during a meeting with Pakistani interior minister informed the latter that Iran is the third largest donor nation in terms of delivered aid. Iran has also assured Pakistan of its continued support and aid into future. In order to better supply relief to flood victims, Iranian president Dr. Ahmadinejad would visit the flood hit areas of Pakistan.Iran has also donated 50,000 tents and has sent 500 doctors and nurses to help with ongoing international relief operation. Iran started to send an additional 1,100 tonnes of relief goods to Pakistan on 5 September 2010 as part of its ongoing relief operation. Iran is also setting up 15 relief and medical camps in every Pakistani province each capable of holding 1,000 families. On 12 September 2010, Iran allocated an additional US $100 million for Pakistan flood relief.
An initial €200,000 was donated by the government of Ireland. An additional €550,000 was added on 9 August 2010. Then the total was €960,000. The Irish media were critical of the country's government for providing less than half the aid it donated to Haiti after the earthquake there. €1.19 million was added on 19 August, bringing the total at that stage to €2 million, the total given to the Haiti disaster. Minister for Overseas Development Peter Power, TD, said at the time that more aid would be forthcoming from Ireland and that the country had provided a "proportionally greater" amount than "most other European countries". The Irish public had provided an additional sum of more than €2.5 million by 20 August.
Israel has offered aid to Pakistan, but the officials said they have not received an answer from Pakistan on whether or not the aid should be forwarded.
Italy provided € 1.33 million, including a humanitarian aid flight carrying emergency supplies such as medicines, generators, water purifiers and containers.
Japan provided US$ 0.23 million for emergency relief goods, while additional assistance of up to US$3 million has been committed for the disaster aftermath.In a press release, Japan announced to extend the aid to 14.4 million USD (approx. 1.22 billion JPY) in total, in the form of the provision of emergency relief goods, as well as food, water, sanitation etc. Japan is also expected to send a unit of six helicopters and some 300 SDF Troops
Jordan A plane carrying food and medical supplies left for Pakistan on 15 August. It is carrying a 25-member medical team, including nine doctors, as well as 21,000 typhoid and cholera vaccines.
Kuwait donated US $5 million to victims of the severe floods in Pakistan, according to Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS).
The Maldives collected MVR 10 million(US $1 million) for Pakistan. The people are collecting more money. All the Maldivian broadcasting channels held a 24-hour telethon to help Pakistan and got MVR 1 million.
Netherlands donated €3.6 million euros. Netherlands The population of the Netherlands has collected more more than 17 million euros for relief aid in Pakistan.
Norway facilitated relief operation by providing NOK 30 million. NOK 9 million were given to UN Central Emergency Response Fund, and NOK 21 million were allocated to UNICEF, Pakistan Emergency Response Fund (ERF), and Pakistan Red Crescent Society
The Oman Charitable Organisation (OCO) send 2,336MT of aid to Pakistan, comprising foodstuffs, water, Dates, tents, relief supplies and tools.
Palestine donated 3000 tons of humanitarian supplies to Pakistan.
Qatar Red Crescent has appealed for QR 6.5 million and as part of its Ramadan campaign allocated QR1.5 million to its humanitarian mission. QATAR Charity (QC) has started delivering food packs worth QR7 million ($2 million) in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP). It also plans to airlift 80 tonnes of emergency relief items, totalling around QR 2.2 million ($600,000).
As of 17 September 2010, Saudi Arabia has allocated more than US $361.99 million for the relief operation, topping the list of all donating countries: US $105.29 million donated by the Saudi Government, US $14.7 million donated by the Saudi Fund for Development, and US $242 million collected through Saudi Public Fund Relief. Saudi Arabia released a statement announcing the establishment of an air-bridge to ferry relief-supplies to Pakistan. As of August 30, relief goods worth USD 40 million had been delivered and some USD 67 million worth of relief goods were in the pipeline; USD 5.3 million had been handed over to National Disaster Management Authority – NDMA Pakistan in cash. Two 100-bed mobile hospitals were also donated by the Saudi Government to the flood victims.
Sri Lanka dispatched 18 metric tons of relief goods worth approx US$ 3 million to Pakistan on a Sri Lankan Air Force C-130. The Health Ministry will also send will be in the 15 member special medical team to Pakistan.
Sweden will send eight water cleaning aggregates which together have a capacity to support 18,000 people with clean drinking water.
Sudan donated 10 tonnes of food, medicine and shelter equipments as well as a medical team including all disciplines.
Syria announced that it would send 35 tonnes of foodstuffs, medical supplies, medicines and many other necessary materials to help flood victims.
Turkey has donated US$ 5 million to Pakistan initially, in addition to 115 tonnes of humanitarian aid consisting of food packages, blankets, sleeping bags and beds delivered to Pakistan Red Crescent Society. By 18 August, Turkey has donated more than US$11 million and issued a rallying cry and launched a large-scale relief effort for flood-ravaged Pakistan.
United Arab Emirates A fleet of Chinook helicopters was deployed to help in evacuation, according to the commander of the UAE Armed Forces Relief Team in Pakistan. The UAE Force in Afghanistan distributed 30MT of relief materials and food to flooded areas of the country. The UAE also pledged to donate $ 5 million for the flood relief operations in Pakistan. A telethon campaign by the Red Crescent Authority (RCA) raised 79 million AED ($21 million) for the flood victims. The Red Crescent also dispatched 70 tons of essential relief supplies.
The United Kingdom has committed £134 million (US $210 million) to the relief and recovery effort, in addition to bringing forward a £10 million bridge project to replace some of those washed away. Interventions carried out or under way include the flying in of 400 metric tons of aid, and providing tents, shelter kits, blankets, water containers and nutritional interventions. Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also acknowledged the slow international response and urged British public to donate generously. British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has made a personal donation to the relief effort for flood victims in Pakistan, the Queen gave an undisclosed amount via the British Red Cross. Additionally Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, described the international response as "absolutely pitiful" on August 16.
The United States stated that it would provide 56,000 ready meals on 1 August and 2, twelve temporary bridges and two water-filtration-plants to help the flood-victims as part of a US$10 million aid-pledge. Commenting on the floods, the United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, stated, "The Pakistani people are friends and partners, and the United States is standing with them as the tragic human toll mounts from flooding in northwest Pakistan." Hillary Clinton personally donated $10 for flood-relief in an effort to encourage people to donate, no matter how small the amount. On 10 August, US announced another $20 million to provide relief for the affected, taking the flood related aid from United States to US$ 55 million. On 11 August, US increased its assistance for flood-ravaged Pakistan to $ 71 million. Additionally, United States initially provided six US Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters from their duty in Afghanistan. On 12 August, it provided two more CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters to assist Pakistan Army in their relief efforts. The two helicopters are first of 19 helicopters that US Defense Secretary Robert Gates has urgently ordered for Pakistan in next few days. Senator John Kerry also visited Pakistan in order to survey the damage from the disaster, and to raise US public awareness about Pakistani relief needs. On 13 August, US increased its aid to US $84 million as USS Peleliu gets ready to dispatch more helicopters pledged earlier by US Defense Secretary. In addition to this, the United States is providing $3 million to the World Health Organization to expand the capacity of Pakistan's Disease Early Warning System (DEWS) and to establish the first 15 treatment centers for water-borne illness. It is also working with the humanitarian community to spread awareness through radio stations regarding safety precautions against water-borne diseases. On 14 August, further two CH-53E Super Stallion and a MH-53E Sea Dragon arrived in Pakistan to work with Pakistan military in flood-affected areas. On Thursday, 20 August, the United States pledged an additional $60 million to the U.N. flood relief effort in Pakistan, bringing its total contribution to $150 million in a move designed to encourage other governments and private donors to boost their aid. On Friday, 27 August, the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) and her Amphibious Ready Group will deploy to Pakistan to assist.
- World Bank provided US$ 1.3 million to Pakistani government for relief work. The bank has additionally approved a loan of US$ 900 million for medium and long term reconstruction.
- International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also offered to discuss how to help Pakistan manage the economic impact of the floods.
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