The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, today announced that Canada will be contributing up to $2 million to provide immediate relief to the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan affected by the recent storms and floods. This humanitarian aid will be provided through trusted international and local partners involved in the response.
"On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my deepest sympathies to all those affected by the flooding," said Minister MacKay. "Ensuring their safety and responding to their basic human needs is important to the Government of Canada. We have been in close contact with the governments of these countries and with humanitarian partners to determine the best way for Canada to assist."
"By helping to support the necessities of life, Canada is ensuring that the basic needs of the people affected by the storms are being met so they can begin rebuilding their lives," said Minister Verner. "This new funding builds on existing Canadian humanitarian programs. For instance, in Afghanistan, food and other immediate relief is already being provided through existing agreements with the World Food Programme and UNICEF."
A tropical storm and heavy rainstorms hit Pakistan, Afghanistan and India over the past 10 days, and over 600 people have died as a result of flooding and landslides. Pakistan has been most seriously affected, with an estimated 1.5 million people affected by the storms, including 250,000 left homeless. The latest reports show that over 700,000 people have been affected in India. The Indian government has not requested international assistance. In Afghanistan, flash floods and landslides killed more than 60 people and affected hundreds of families.
Local authorities and international organizations continue to evaluate the damage and the needs of those affected by the disaster. Canada may adjust its contribution as needs in the affected areas are assessed.
At this point, there are no reports of Canadians injured or killed by the storms.
For more information on how Canadians can help, please visit: http://geo.international.gc.ca/cip-pic/library/howcanadians-en.aspx.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
Nicole Lascelle
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
819-953-6534
info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
http://www.cida.gc.ca