Europe released 10 million euros (13 million dollars) in emergency aid to help Pakistan's flood victims on Wednesday, taking total humanitarian aid over the past 12 months to more than 110 million euros. The European Commission decision "takes immediate effect and comes as an addition to the 30 million euros for humanitarian assistance allocated" on July 30, said a statement from the EU's day-to-day executive.
"My heartfelt condolences go to all those affected by this crisis and the European Union stands ready to support Pakistan both in financial and political terms in dealing with the consequences of this terrible event," said Catherine Ashton, EU foreign affairs chief.
The money will go towards clean drinking water, shelter, food, blankets, hygiene kits and medical assistance, the commission said. Pakistan issued fresh flood warnings on Wednesday and called on foreign donors to step up aid to contain the country's worst humanitarian disaster in 80-odd years The United Nations was to launch an international appeal in New York. It believes 1,600 people have died in the floods while Pakistan has confirmed 1,243 deaths.
The United States announced on Tuesday it would increase its flood aid by another 20 million dollars to 55 million dollars. The Pakistani Taliban, which has been fighting the military, has called on the government to turn down all foreign aid.