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Tuesday 6 June 2023 Dublin: 13°C
OCHA
# Pakistan
Pakistan's president meets Cameron as floods worsen
Country now on red alert as more rain falls.

PAKISTAN’S PRESIDENT has met with Britain’s David Cameron as the country issues a ‘red alert’ over further expected flooding. President Zadari defended his decision to travel to Europe after the flood crisis began, saying that his prime minister was keeping him informed of events back home.

Zadari said he had convinced Cameron that Pakistan is doing everything it can to prevent militant group from “exporting terror”. Western ambassadors based in the capital have warned that the floods could impair Pakistan’s fight against the Taliban.

Twelve million people have been affected by the floods, and the death toll has reached over 1,600. Over 500,000 people have been evacuated from the Indus river region as more areas succumb to the rising waters.

This Euronews footage shows the emergency relief operations underway – as more rain falls:

Pakistan’s prime minister has appealed for international aid to help “alleviate the sufferings of flood-affected people.” Irish charity Concern has released half a million in emergency funding for Pakistan, and launched an appeal to raise more money.

The UN Office for the Co-Ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that extensive flood damage to crops may see Pakistan relying on food aid throughout winter. The country is only half-way through its annual monsoon season, and further rain is forecast for the coming days.