In 2010 flood, Pakistan had faced $10 billion loss but now we fear more loss as compared to 2010 flood: Bilawal

ISLAMABAD, August 31 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed satisfaction over international response to the United Nations Flash appeal for help of flood affected people of Pakistan.

Talking to the state-run TV along with members of diplomatic corps on Wednesday, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said we arranged a special visit of ambassadors and envoys of various countries to the flood-hit areas to provide them first-hand knowledge about the devastation wreaked by recent floods.

He said at present, we are focusing on relief and rescue operations for which we have appealed to the international community for an assistance of over 160 million dollars. He said that the envoys have seen the devastation with their own eyes and after this they could better present report to their respective governments about the destruction caused in the result of the floods and we will get better help from the international community. He said that the real damage in the result of the current flood could be $10 billion or more than this in upcoming days.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that in future we will have to do work in rehabilitation and reconstruction phase while taking stock of real situation, adding that currently we are in the phase of rescue and relief and later on we will go into the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase. He said that the flood in Sindh province is ongoing as the flood water and monsoon rains water is going towards the sea. He said that in 2010 flood, Pakistan had faced $10 billion loss but now we fear more loss as compared to 2010 flood. Bilawal Bhutto said that currently it is our priority to rescue the stranded people and then provide them relief.

Speaking on the occasion, the envoys expressed solidarity with the people of Pakistan in this hour of need.