Iran ready to dispatch choppers and boats to Pakistan

TEHRAN, Aug. 28 (MNA) – Iran is ready to dispatch helicopters and boats to the flood-stricken areas in Pakistan, Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said on Thursday.

However, he said that the Pakistani government has requested other types of aid.

The flood waters swept south Pakistan after leaving millions homeless and submerging millions of acres of farmland. The floods that began nearly a month ago with hammering monsoon rains in the northwest have affected more than 20 million people, the Pakistani prime minister estimates.

Najjar told the Mehr News Agency that he and President Ahmadinejad will soon travel to Pakistan in order visit the areas affected by the floods and make relevant decisions in that regard.

An aid convoy will also be sent to Pakistan as president will travel there, he stated.

He went on to say that Iran has so far sent 400 tons of humanitarian aid to Pakistan which included 5,300 tents, cans of foods, blankets, carpets, and some other products.

He said Iran has sent items which were asked by Pakistani officials.