United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, Julien Harneis Wednesday expressed serious concern over a slow flow of announced flood aid to Pakistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
In the presser, Julien said that aid of $90 million has been promised for Pakistan till date but the contracts are not being fulfilled effectively. He also said that last week, the amount of aid for Pakistan was increased in the flush appeal. In the new appeal, the aid amount has been increased from $160 million to $816 million.
Julien Harneis said that the World Health Organization has predicted around 2.7 million malaria cases by January and there is a high risk of death due to the increase of malaria cases in the flood-affected areas. Children in flood-affected areas are likely to suffer from severe malnutrition due to a lack of nutrition and adequate funding for health and clean drinking water. There is also a risk of an increase in poverty due to the flood devastations. He also said that the standing water is causing Malaria and has affected almost 9.4 acres of cultivated land.
He also told that the World Food Organization has said that after the flood, the problem of food security will arise in the coming days. Cotton, sugar cane and other crops have been destroyed due to floods. Difficulties have increased for small farmers in flood-struck areas. Small farmers in flood-prone areas are facing problems in wheat cultivation. The government of Pakistan is appealing to international organizations to supply seeds and fertilizers. A relief package will be given to the farmers in the affected areas, and two bags of fertilizers were provided with every bag of seeds.