Government pledges extra €2m for devastated region

The Government yesterday announced additional funding of €2 million to assist immediate relief efforts in Pakistan.

This brings to €3 million the total being made available by the Government for the region in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Some €1 million is being given to Unicef, which has been in the front line of recovery efforts since the earthquake struck.

The agency is assisting relief efforts on the ground through the supply of blankets, children's clothing, plastic sheeting, water purification tablets and high-protein biscuits.

Minister of State for Development Co-operation Conor Lenihan said additional assistance will be available based on emerging needs assessments for UN agencies, the Red Cross and Red Crescent family, and non-governmental agencies active on the ground.

"The initial needs will be for food, shelter and other basic requirements. Our funding will also be available for the Red Cross and Red Crescent family, which is very experienced and is present on the ground through its local networks," Mr Lenihan said.

He added that funding will also be provided, if necessary, for the co-ordination of the humanitarian effort through the UN as other needs become clearer.

Separately, the Government has made a second pledge of €1 million to assist in relief efforts in Central America following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Stan.

Unicef Ireland, the Irish branch of the international organisation which provides assistance to help the world's poorest children, today committed €100,000 to the agency's emergency relief work in Pakistan following Saturday's massive earthquake.

Maura Quinn, executive director of Unicef Ireland, said that in the aftermath of the earthquake, many children were without shelter or food. "Winter temperatures are dangerously cold, and the past 48 hours have seen heavy rains and hail," she said. "Children and their families remain exposed, and many of the injured do not have access to medical treatment."

Reuters adds: More flights carrying rescuers and aid were expected from Russia, the United States, Iran and other countries, Pakistan Foreign Office spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam said. "The international assistance is pouring in and we are grateful," she said.

President Bush telephoned Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, to offer helicopters and an initial $50 million in aid.

In Britain, which has a large Pakistani community, the response was overwhelming, aid agencies said, with millions of pounds expected in donations. The country has already sent two rescue teams and the government pledged £1 million, which would be increased.