Swiss contribute more to Pakistan flood victims

Switzerland is increasing its aid package to victims of Pakistan’s flooded areas by SFr1.5 million ($1.49 million), the foreign ministry confirmed on Tuesday.

This content was published on September 21, 2010 - 12:55

1 minute

swissinfo.ch and agencies

The extra money, which brings Switzerland’s total contribution to SFr8.5 million, is being earmarked for helping the homeless with winter accommodation, seed and water purification.

A ministry spokesman told the Swiss News Agency that it would supplement existing projects of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

He added that the decision to increase Bern’s contribution came before last Friday’s appeal by the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, for a record $2 billion from the international community to provide aid.

Ban described the floods in Pakistan as the worst natural disaster the UN had dealt with in 65 years.

Swiss Solidarity, a charity led by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, reports on its home page that private donations from Switzerland have raised almost SFr37 million for the flood victims.

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