“Slow-motion Tsunami”,

HIGH COMMISSION FOR PAKISTAN

WELLINGTON 
 

PRESS RELEASE 
 

Subject:- New Zealand Government and People’s Generosity For     Pakistan Flood Relief.

  

      The High Commission on behalf of the Government and People of Pakistan acknowledges with gratitude the solidarity the Government and People of New Zealand have shown towards the flood affected people in Pakistan. 

      The New Zealand Government by announcing NZ$ 2 million, was one of the first to respond to this calamity of phenomenal proportions. Sensing the unfolding scale of the havoc, New Zealand has recently doubled its donation to NZ$ 4 million. 

      Besides the New Zealand Government, several leading International Relief Agencies such as Red Cross, World Vision, UNICEF, Save the Children, Oxfam and many others are actively engaged in a commendable task of collecting donations and channeling the aid to flood affected people to alleviate their sufferings. 

      The High Commission is also grateful for the donations received in the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010 set up by the High Commission itself. 

      This all would have not been possible without the benevolence of the Kiwis who stepped forward with their open hearts to help.  
 

      Government of Pakistan has committed all its national resources to the flood Relief and Rescue Operations with a view to provide shelter, food, clean drinking water, medicines and sanitations to the affected people. Over 50,000 troops, 77 helicopters and 975 boats besides other local authorities are involved in round the clock relief operations. 
 

      As the magnitude of the catastrophe, in the words of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, “Slow-motion Tsunami”, unfolds, it causes colossal damage and misery to the lives of 20 million people who have lost their hearths and livelihoods. All the standing crops, livestock, 1.2 million houses and infrastructure in the 5^th of the country have been washed away.  

      Despite all the odds, the resilient people of Pakistan are determined to overcome this challenge with the help of friends and international community.  
 

P.R.NO. 12 

Wellington

23 August, 2010.