KARACHI, Pakistan — UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Saturday that the world owes a “massive” relief package to poverty-stricken countries in Pakistan’s flood-ravaged Sindh and Balochistan provinces. visited.
Guterres was the second day of a two-day visit to Pakistan devastated by months of torrential monsoon rains and floods. At least he killed 1,396 people, injured 12,728, and left millions homeless. The water also destroyed roads and communication infrastructure.
Guterres visited flood-affected areas in Sukkur district in southern Sindh and Osta Mohammad district in southwestern Balochistan.
“Pakistan today needs massive financial support to overcome this crisis,” he said. “This is not a question of leniency, it is a question of justice.”
Miles of cotton, sugar cane, banana orchards and vegetable gardens in the two states were submerged in flood waters. evacuated to a tent.
Mr Guterres’ comments come after being briefed by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on the destruction of his state. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and some of his ministers accompanied the visit of senior UN officials.
Pakistan has been suffering from very heavy monsoon rains that started in mid-June earlier this year. Experts blame global warming for the early start and heavier than usual rainfall.
“Humanity has been at war with nature, and nature is fighting back,” Guterres said. “We need to stop the madness playing with nature.”
Mr Guterres expressed solidarity with the Pakistani people and said the UN would use its limited resources to help and urge “whoever has the ability to help Pakistan do it now and on a large scale”. .
So far, UN agencies and several countries have sent nearly 60 aid planes, with the United Arab Emirates one of the most generous contributors, according to officials, to help flood victims. We have sent 26 flights carrying relief supplies.
Heavy rains and floods since June have brought new levels of grief to cash-strapped Pakistan, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on the poor.
Pakistan accounts for just 0.4% of the world’s historic emissions attributed to climate change, according to experts. The United States has 21.5% for him, China for 16.5% for her, and the European Union for 15%.
The UN Secretary-General also visited the flood victim camp in Larkana District. Guterres was briefed by officials on the status and threats to the protected archaeological site of Mohenjodaro, one of the oldest sites of human civilization.
