Martin pledges aid to Pakistan

The Irish Government has pledged €550,000 in humanitarian to help “alleviate the crisis” of flooding in Pakistan.

The Irish Government has pledged €550,000 in humanitarian to help “alleviate the crisis” of flooding in Pakistan.

The money has been allocated to Concern, Trócaire and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

In a statement, the Government said it has now donated €750,000 to the cause.

"It is clear that the humanitarian situation in Pakistan remains extremely grave. The flooding that is occurring there is the worst in 80 years and with more rain on the way," Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin said.

"It is important that the international community responds immediately."

The UN today said Pakistan will need billions of dollars to recover from the worst flooding in its history, which has affected some 15 million and killed at least 1,500 people.

Britain has pledged more than €10 million to Pakistan. The US has increased its donation to some €20 million, while Australia and Germany have doubled their offerings to €7 million and €2 million respectively.