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UN Secretary General calls Pakistan disaster the worst ever and calls for help. With conditions
that prompted him to call the flooding aftermath the worst he had ever seen, United Nations
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arriving in Pakistan on Sunday, August 15 immediately
urged for more international aid to alleviate the crisis. He stated, "I will never forget
the destruction and suffering I have witnessed today. In the past I have witnessed many natural
disasters around the world, but nothing like this.'' In an effort to assist, the secretary-general
also pledged an additional US$10 million from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund,
making a combined total of US$27 million since the initial floods cost over 1,500 lives and
left some 20 million people displaced. Secretary General Ban said, “I'm here to send a message
to the world: these unprecedented floods require an unprecedented response. The world must
stand with the people of Pakistan."
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General, United Nations: …that’s why I’m here, I’m here to
bring food, water, sanitation, medicine and I’m working together with the President
Zardari to bring you back to your home as soon as possible.
Affirming the need for further assistance, Jacques de Maio of the South Asia operations
for the International Committee of the Red Cross said, “Clearly at this point in time
the overall relief effort cannot keep pace with the overall scale of the emergency."
Meanwhile international aid is continuing to arrive, with Malaysia donating US$1 million
and Canada US$32 million, while Turkey and Syria each dispatched 35 tons of food and
medical supplies. Iran and Saudi Arabia are also part of ongoing humanitarian relief efforts
as well.
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General, United Nations: Have great courage, do not despair and have
a strong sense of hope. I’m here to bring the hope and future, better future for all
of you.
Group Pakistani flood victims: God-willing!
Our sincere appreciation, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for your compassionate appeal
along with our sincere thanks to the nations and organizations extending a helping hand
to the Pakistani people. As we join in sorrow for the lives lost, may Allah protect all
those affected as we strive to prevent such disasters with our greater consideration for
the environment and fellow beings�