UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed for massive international assistance as Pakistan responds to the catastrophic effects of a flood disaster blamed on climate change.
Guterres made the appeal as he arrived in Pakistan for a two-day visit.
During his visit, he will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and tour affected areas.
The United Nations has launched an appeal for $160 million in aid to assist Pakistan in dealing with the disaster, despite Pakistan’s estimate of $10 billion in losses.
In July and August, Pakistan got 391 mm (15.4 inches) of rain, or nearly 190% more than the 30-year average.
The southern province of Sindh has seen 466% more rain than average.
Floods caused by heavy monsoon rains and glacier melt in the northern mountains have swept away houses, roads, railway tracks, bridges, livestock, and crops, killing over 1,391 people.
Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes as large portions of the country are under water. According to the government, almost 33 million people’s lives have been affected.
The World Health Organisation has said more than 6.4 million people need humanitarian support in flooded areas.
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