Pakistan appeals the world for more assistance amid ‘worst flood disaster’

ISLAMABAD, August 28: Pakistan has appealed for further international assistance after floods wreaked havoc across the country, destroying infrastructure and rendering millions homeless. The US, UK, United Arab Emirates and others have contributed to a monsoon disaster appeal but much more funds are needed, an interior ministry official told the BBC. More than 1,000 people have died and millions have been displaced since June, Salman Sufi said. He said Pakistan’s government was doing everything in its power to help people. The death toll from monsoon flooding in Pakistan since June has reached 1,033, according to figures released Sunday by National Disaster Management Authority. It said 119 people had died in the previous 24 hours, as heavy rains that have affected more than 33 million people continued to lash parts of the country. Displaced people wait for assistance after fleeing their homes in Sindh, thousands of people fled their homes after rivers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa burst their banks, causing powerful flash floods. The Sindh province has also been badly affected, with thousands displaced from their homes. Speaking to the BBC, Mr Salman Sufi said the country was in desperate need of more international support. – NNI