Solheim visits Pakistan flood victims

Norwegian Minister of the Environment and International Development, Erik Solheim, has visited the flood-affected areas in Pakistan this week.

 “We must not forget the victims of the floods in Pakistan,” Solheim said, underlining that the relief efforts are very difficult because of the scale of the flood disaster.

"We must seek to provide protection and save lives while at the same time building homes and livelihoods for the flood victims,” said Mr Solheim. 

Mr Solheim visited flood victims in Nowshera, which is in central Pakistan. They were among the first to be affected by the floods. Winter is fast approaching. Many people do not have proper shelter and don’t know where their next meal will come from.  

Parts of the southern province of Sindh are still under water. More than 7 million people have been affected. There is a great need for humanitarian assistance.

Norway has provided NOK 400 million in assistance for the flood victims. The funds are being used to provide shelter, food and clean water, and to protect vulnerable groups.

“The emergency relief effort and the reconstruction efforts are going on at the same time,” said Mr Solheim.

(Press release)

Tuesday, 23 November 2010 07:45