Norway appeals world for maximum contributions

Norway has appealed the world community to come forward and contribute to the maximum for the cause of the quake victims of Pakistan who are at their life risk in the wake of emerging chilly weather.
Minister for International Development Norway Erik Solheim, who undertook extensive visits of the parts of quake-afflicted areas in AJK and NWFP, made the appeal for maximum contributions on Thursday.
Later, addressing a well attended press briefing here, Erik Solheim said the size and volume of the devastation is so high that needs to be given much more help to mitigate the sufferings of the quake victims.
He said the tragedy of tsunami cannot be compared with this one which hit northern parts of Pakistan, as tsunami had hit the coastal belt and was over soon, but here the situation is totally different as the catastrophe is not over yet. A number of people spread over vast lands are sitting helplessly under the open sky and those who are in the tents still need to warm up themselves to beat the approaching chilly weather, he said.
He said Norway has given a relief grant of $30 million, while the considerations would be made separately for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the people and the area.
He said the relief grant given by Norway would be utilised through the UN agencies and well reputed non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of Pakistan.
To a question, he said, there was a greater need to consult with the victims and meet with their requirements according to their needs instead of giving them items which are not useful for them.
Referring to a large number of people who suffered injuries, he said, it is a greater challenge for the international community to help them in rehabilitating, thus, they could lead a normal life.
"A lot of other aspects in the aftermath of this mammoth tragedy are still there un-pondered," he said.
He said the Norwegian community and Pakistani origin people settled there are enthusiastic to contribute their share to help in alleviating the grievances of the quake-affected people.