China to provide relief assistance for flood affectees

Islamabad, September 12, 2011 (PPI): China is to provide 4.7 million dollars for the relief and assistance of flood affected persons in Sindh.

Addressing a joint news conference along with Chairman National Disaster Management Authority Zafar Iqbal Qadir, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Liu Jian said the people and government of China are deeply concerned over the devastation caused by floods in Sindh province and they stand by Pakistan to meet this challenge.

He expressed the confidence that Pakistani leadership with the international support will overcome this tragedy and rebuild the lives of affected population.

He said that the chinese diplomatic mission in Islamabad has also given six hundred thousand rupees to express solidarity with the flood victims at this time of trial.

The Chinese Ambassador said that his country has also decided to provide 3.13 million dollars for the victims of Attabad lake.

Chairman NDMA Zafar Iqbal Qadi thanked the Chinese assistance for the affected population and said that China has become the first country to respond to the Prime Minister's appeal for the relief and assistance of calamity hit people.

He informed the media persons that the floods in Sindh have so far claimed two hundred and nine lives while displacing 5.3 million people.

He said the floods have affected twenty three districts in the province and destroyed standing crops on 1.7 million acre of land.

He said that 2490 relief camps have been set up in different areas to house the displaced families.

The chairman said the disaster has been of great magnitude which was least expected and absolutely unique in its kind and magnitude.

He said the province has witnessed heavy rains with 1070 mm recorded in Tharparkar and 1000 mm in lower Sindh in four weeks time.