The UN Wednesday nearly doubled its call for urgent funding to earthquake-ravaged Pakistan to 550 million US dollar for the initial six-month emergency period, warning that the current death toll of some 50.000 could double if aid is not immediately mobilized and delivered to those still isolated in the mountainous region.
– Since the Appeals issuance earlier this month, the scope and size of the tragedy in Pakistan has became dramatically clearer, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated, stressing the need for air support as a ministerial-level donors conference opened in Geneva. The original Flash Appeal issued two weeks ago sought 312 million dollar – so the amount has risen 80 per cent.
– It is essential to note that only a few weeks remain before the arrival of winter. Thousands of injured, dehydrated and undernourished survivors sheltering in fields in makeshift shelters or in the open air in temperatures below zero are likely to die unless they can be reached before the harsh mountain winter sets in, OCHA added.
The UN and its partners have now increased their estimate of people in need of immediate assistance to at least 1,6 to 2 million from 1 million. Those affected urgently require winterized shelter, medical care, food, and water and sanitation facilities, which must be delivered via commensurate logistics capacity and resources, OCHA said.
– Eighteen days after the earthquake, the unfolding picture reveals levels of human and economic devastation unprecedented in the history of the subcontinent, OCHA reported adding:
– Hundreds of towns and villages have been completely destroyed… The earthquake destroyed most hospitals, schools, government buildings, and communications infrastructure. Additionally, many of the local officials needed for the immediate response fell victim to the disaster.
– The majority of roads and bridges have been destroyed and numerous landslides have blocked remaining roads, cutting all access to some areas and leaving tens of thousands of people stranded in mountain valleys yet to be reached. Thousands of injured have not yet been treated and their injuries, although treatable, are likely to prove fatal if they are not reached within days, OCHA said.
While over 100 international organizations, including the UN search and rescue teams, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and bilateral partners immediately poured into the country, it is clear the response provided so far is inadequate, it added.
More than two-thirds of the 238-million dollar increase is attributable to the extraordinary logistical requirements imposed by the inaccessible terrain. Air support is required to move aid to those in need before the arrival of winter.
Kilde: FNs nyhedstjeneste
