Pak deluge, a ’slow motion tsunami’: Ban Ki-moon

LONDON - Describing Pakistan’s catastrophic floods as a “slow tsunami”, United Nations (UN) General Secretary Ban Ki-moon has appealed to the international community for more aid to provide immediate food, shelter, and clean drinking water to the millions of affected people.

Addressing a special UN general assembly, Ki-moon called Pakistan floods a global disaster which would grow in time.

“Make no mistake, this is a global disaster. Pakistan is facing a slow-motion tsunami. Its destructive powers will accumulate and grow with time,” The Guardian quoted Ki-moon, as saying.

The UN has appealed for 460 million dollars in aid, but donor countries have so far pledged only half of the target, and the secretary-general said immediate funds were needed to help victims over the next three months.

During the special meeting, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, through a video message, appealed to Americans to donate generously to help millions of people in need.

“The enormity of this crisis is hard to fathom, the rain continues to fall and the extent of the devastation is still difficult to gauge,” Clinton said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones, those who have been displaced from their homes and those left without food and water,” she added.

Clinton also announced a special package of 60 million dollars taking the US’ whole contribution towards flood relief to over 150 million dollars. (ANI)