Islamabad, 15 February 2023 (TDI): Australia announced to double its support to the Pakistan flood response by providing an additional $5 million in immediate humanitarian assistance, bringing its total support to $10 million.
The Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, made the announcement during his visit to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). He also held a meeting with the NDMA Chairman, Inam Haider Malik.
The High Commissioner highlighted that the new funding will complement government efforts to address the serious nutrition situation facing communities affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan. It will focus mainly on women and children.
Australia will channel this new support through trusted United Nations (UN) and Non-Government Organization (NGO) partners.
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Notably, the High Commissioner visited Sindh to meet with flood-affected communities and toured their villages, last month. Recalling the visit, Hawkins reiterated, “Thousands of people in Sindh are still suffering from the impacts of the floods.”
“I was pleased to witness our assistance reaching the hands of the most vulnerable. We are determined our support continues to be distributed rapidly and targeting the poorest.” Hawkin continued.
Regarding the assistance, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong said, “The growing scale of food insecurity is deeply concerning. The Australian Government is committed to ensuring our humanitarian assistance responds to the greatest needs.”
Australia’s aid to Pakistan following floods
In August 2022, the Government of Australia announced to provide $2 million to Pakistan after the devastating floods all across the country.
Australia’s pledge comes following calls from the United Nations for the international community to provide $160 million in aid for the disaster.
Again in September, the Australian government provided $3 million to flood-hit people of Pakistan. The total amount of aid has now reached $10 million.
Australia, in collaboration with the World Food Program (WFP), has supported cash-based transfers, small-scale rehabilitation projects, and logistics to date in Pakistan.
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