Over 33 million people affected and one third of the whole country inundated by the floods, the economic damage has reached over $10 billion, making it one of the worst disasters this country has faced in decades.

Amidst these difficult times, it is necessary to engage the international community in supporting the people of Pakistan.

His Excellency Dr. Christian Turner, British High Commissioner, accompanied by CEO Islamic Relief, Waseem Ahmad and Country Director Asif Sherazi, visited the flood relief camp of Islamic Relief and distributed 200 food packs and kitchen sets to the affected people in Nowshera while visiting the local villages that have been majorly affected by the floods.

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Visiting the affected areas in KP, meeting families who have lost their livelihoods and speaking with community leaders, hearing the desperate need for basic items including food and clean drinking water, “The scale of devastation is staggering,” Christian Turner said. “The images we have all been seeing on our television screens are heart-breaking, but to see the incredible work aid workers have been putting in to provide relief to people has been heart-warming”.

The visit came as the UK announced an additional £15 million to help flood-affected communities, £5 million of which will go directly to the DEC’s Pakistan Floods Appeal. Islamic Relief is 1 of 15 charities that form the DEC.

“Since the needs are huge and dire, we really appreciate the UK’s increased support for the humanitarian response and the DEC appeal,” Asif said.

“We urge the UK government and other countries to increase funding for the recovery phase too.”

“Our teams have been on the ground since 3 August, meeting the needs of the affected across the country with shelter, clean drinking water, cash grants, and food and hygiene items.

“We have reached 30,000 people with lifesaving aid – that [figure] will be doubled in the next week. The aim is to support half a million [people] under our emergency response.”

There are still those who are living under the open sky and need as much support as possible.