Fresh rain lashed Pakistan today, piling more misery on the millions already living in makeshift camps and adding to the urgency of the massive international aid effort. There is a danger of more flooding after what have already been the worst deluges in recorded history in the country, affecting some 20million people and 60,000 square miles of land. It is feared the catastrophe could destabilise the country, which is pivotal to British and American counter-terrorism and hopes of defeating Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon flew over the afflicted area yesterday and said he had never seen a disaster on such a scale. He called for greater international action. 'This has been a heart-wrenching day for me,' the UN chief said after his flyover with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari. 'I will never forget the destruction and suffering I have witnessed today. In the past I have witnessed many natural disasters around the world, but nothing like this,' he added. (Daily Mail)Monday 16 August 2010
Fresh rain in Pakistan hampers relief effort as UN chief declares floods worst disaster he's ever seen
Fresh rain lashed Pakistan today, piling more misery on the millions already living in makeshift camps and adding to the urgency of the massive international aid effort. There is a danger of more flooding after what have already been the worst deluges in recorded history in the country, affecting some 20million people and 60,000 square miles of land. It is feared the catastrophe could destabilise the country, which is pivotal to British and American counter-terrorism and hopes of defeating Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon flew over the afflicted area yesterday and said he had never seen a disaster on such a scale. He called for greater international action. 'This has been a heart-wrenching day for me,' the UN chief said after his flyover with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari. 'I will never forget the destruction and suffering I have witnessed today. In the past I have witnessed many natural disasters around the world, but nothing like this,' he added. (Daily Mail)