With more assistance for the US, the World Food Programme (WFP) reached 50 percent of its targeted funded of US $133 million, putting the UN agency’s operations out of danger of suspending or curtailing its food distribution for the flood victims of Sindh and Balochistan.
WFP spokesman Amjad Jamal told Pakistan Today, “We have received fresh assistance from the US and have reached 50 percent of the targeted funds of US$133 million. We will now be able to continue our operations till the end of December.”
Earlier, the WFP had feared that it might be compelled to suspend or curtail its food distribution operation in flooded areas after November if more funds were not provided. He added that the WFP was out of the threat in its food distribution system and the fresh aid would help the WFP get more time to generate additional funds. He said that UN agency needed a total of US $133 million to continue its food distribution till February and more funds were expected from donors. Amjad said, “We are very much hopeful that we will get more funds from the world and the fear of suspending or curtailing operations would not re-occur in the coming months. We feel out of the woods now.” When asked if the government provided the WFP the remaining quantity of 16,667 metric ton of wheat, the spokesman said that so far only 8,333 metric tons was provided by the Sindh government and the remaining quantity of 16,667 metric tons was being awaited. The government of Pakistan had pledged 25000 metric ton to the WFP following a request from the WFP.
The WFP provided food assistance to over 2 million people and reach 100,000 persons everyday. According to the WFP, it would provide food to 2.5 million people in the next four months. When asked about the current situation in the flooded areas, he said that fresh situation report was being prepared and would be available within next few days.
