UN calls for millions in aid for Pakistan

The United Nations appealed on Wednesday for 460 million dollars - 350 million euros - in emergency aid to help victims of floods in Pakistan, where some 14 million people are believed to be in danger. Meteorologists are warning of additional floods in Hyderabad district, as well as Kalabagh and Chashma in Punjab province.

Reuters

Launching the UN's appeal in New York, emergency relief coordinator John Holmes said the funds would be used for food, clean water, shelter and medical supplies.

"The death toll has so far been relatively low compared to other major natural disasters, but the numbers affected are extraordinarily high," Holmes warned.

"If we don't act fast enough, many more people could die of diseases and food shortages."

The UN says that children are among the most vulnerable, with diarrhoea the biggest health threat and measles a concern.

Governments have so far pledged 117 million euros in emergency assistance.

Holmes stressed that 460 million dollars was the minimum required to provide emergency relief over the next three months, and would not cover the cost of rebuilding Pakistan's infrastructure destroyed in the floods.

Pakistan's government has called the flood the worst natural disaster in the country’s history.