- Antonio Guterres was given a detailed briefing by Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah about the devastation
SUKKUR, Pakistan: The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday once again called for the international community to step up in helping Pakistan overcome the challenges posed by the devastating floods and extend support in rebuilding a climate-resilient infrastructure, the Express Tribune reported.
He made the remarks in Sukkur today where he was given a detailed briefing by Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah about the devastation caused by floods in the province.
The UN Secretary-General said the countries vulnerable to climate change, including Pakistan, must be supported to rebuild resilient communities and infrastructure to resist future disasters. He also stressed on a reduction in emissions.
Secretary-General @antonioguterres arrives in Sindh province, #Pakistan, where he will meet people impacted by the devastating floods. pic.twitter.com/r5kS3EukRY
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) September 10, 2022
Expressing solidarity with Pakistan, the UNSG said the United Nations will do everything possible to raise awareness about the flood situation in Pakistan and request those who have the capacity to support the country in these difficult times.
Taking an aerial view of the flood-affected areas along with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the secretary general termed the flood devastation ‘unimaginable’.
وزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف اور سیکرٹری جنرل اقوامِ متحدہ انتونیو گوٹرش سندھ اور بلوچستان کے سیلاب زدہ علاقوں کے دورے کیلئے سکھر پہنچ گئے.@CMShehbaz @antonioguterres @BBhuttoZardari #UNSGinPakistan #SolidarityVisit #FloodsInPakistan pic.twitter.com/sIp7ocBKtH
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) September 10, 2022
PM Shehbaz and UNSG arrived in Sukkur to review the rescue and relief operations underway in the flood-hit district and to assess the damages caused by the catastrophe.
Members of the federal cabinet and the UN delegation are also accompanying the two leaders during their visit.
The two leaders also reached Usta Muhammad Tehsil of Jaffarabad district from Sukkur, where they met flood victims.
They are later scheduled to visit Larkana in Sindh where they will meet people affected by the catastrophe.
Guterres pitches for massive flood aid
Guterres on Friday revealed that the ongoing flooding had cost Pakistan $30 billion, as he visited Pakistan to mobilise help for millions of people affected by devastating monsoon floods.
Nearly 1,400 people have died in flooding that covers a third of the country — an area the size of the United Kingdom — wiping out crops and destroying homes, businesses, roads and bridges.
Guterres said he hoped his visit would galvanise international help, noting Pakistan had always shown generosity towards others, hosting millions of refugees for decades from neighbouring Afghanistan at enormous cost.
The UN secretary general called the lack of global attention to climate change “insanity”.
“This is insanity, this is collective suicide,” Guterres told a news conference in the federal capital, lamenting the lack of attention the world gave to climate change — particularly the industrialised nations that scientists blame.
He was speaking with the prime minister at the National Flood Response and Coordination Center where the UN chief was given a comprehensive briefing about the damages and rescue and relief efforts.
Pakistan is responsible for less than one per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, but is eighth on a list compiled by the NGO Germanwatch of countries most vulnerable to extreme weather caused by climate change.
