Emergency Aid for Flood Disaster in Pakistan

August 8, 2003

The Government of Japan decided, on 8th August (Fri), to extend emergency assistance of 100,000 dollars (about 12 million yen) to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which has suffered damage from flooding. This will provide the afflicted people with food aid, in addition to the estimated 19.5 million yen worth of emergency assistance in kind (tents, water purifiers, plastic tanks, etc.) which was decided on 4th August (Mon).
In late July, flooding induced by torrential rain caused great damage in the entire Sind Province situated in the south of Pakistan (downstream region of the Indus). As of 4th August, this has accounted for at least 162 dead and an estimated 850,000 afflicted. It also destroyed houses, damaged agricultural products and livestock, and severed telephone lines.
Those in Pakistan, whose houses suffered flooding, have been forced to seek shelter in uncomfortable conditions. The Government of Pakistan has started its own efforts to restore conditions, and made a request for assistance in kind and food aid for the afflicted people to the Government of Japan as further assistance from the international community was necessary.
The Government of Japan has made this decision to extend emergency aid from both a humanitarian perspective regarding the victims of this disaster and the cordial relationship between Japan and Pakistan.

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