On Thursday evening the Storting allocated an additional NOK 300 million for relief efforts in Pakistan, Central America and Africa.

International Development Minister Erik Solheim is concerned that the tragic situation in the wake of the earthquake in Pakistan may deteriorate into one of the greatest humanitarian crises we have faced.

- Winter is approaching. The relief workers are fighting against the clock. We all have an obligation to do whatever we can to save lives, said Mr Solheim. Next week he will be visiting the areas that have been affected by the Pakistan earthquake.

Most of the assistance will be given to Pakistan (NOK 180 million), but the funds will also be used for humanitarian assistance to the victims of flooding and landslides in Central America (NOK 60 million) and to help areas in Africa affected by drought and food shortages (NOK 60 million).

The Norwegian funds will be channelled mainly through the UN, the Red Cross and NGOs with local knowledge that are able to operate under difficult conditions. Children, women and other vulnerable groups will be given priority in the relief efforts.

Press contact: Information Adviser Wera Helstrøm, tel. 99 40 93 23