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Ban authorizes release of relief funds for flood-hit Pakistan

Ban authorizes release of relief funds for flood-hit Pakistan

Flood victims line up at a food distribution point in Northwestern Pakistan
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced sadness at the significant loss of lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure in Pakistan as a result of torrential monsoon rains that have caused the worst floods in the country in 80 years, and sent his deepest condolences to the people and the Government of Pakistan.

Mr. Ban reiterated the United Nations' full commitment to supporting the national and provincial authorities in Pakistan in meeting the humanitarian needs of the population affected, and authorized the disbursement of up to $10 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to help address the immediate needs of those affected by the floods.

The funds from CERF are in addition to the aid the UN is already providing through its various humanitarian agencies.

More than a million people have been affected by the massive flooding. Media reports have quoted Pakistani officials as estimating that the floods have killed more than 1,000 people.