Government proposes additional NOK 260 million for earthquake victims in South Asia

Almost five weeks after the earthquake in Pakistan, there is still great need for emergency relief, and this will continue to be the case for a long time to come. The government proposes that Norway should provide an additional NOK 260 million for the UN’s vital efforts to assist the earthquake victims.

“The situation of the earthquake victims in South Asia is still very serious,” said International Development Minister Erik Solheim. “The affected population is suffering, and the winter months will be particularly hard. We must do something about this. The government will therefore propose to the Storting that it should allocate an additional NOK 260 million for relief efforts.” This would bring Norway’s emergency relief for the earthquake victims to a total of NOK 500 million. Norway is among the countries that are providing most assistance.

Although relief efforts are well under way and some countries have increased their contributions, more humanitarian assistance is still needed. Due to the climatic and geographic conditions, the emergency relief phase will last throughout the winter. Continuous humanitarian relief will be needed.

The UN has so far received short of 30 per cent of the required funds. In this phase it is important to transport food and other supplies to remote areas before the winter weather makes them inaccessible. Quick implementation of measures to provide adequate water and sanitation is essential in order to prevent epidemics. Norway is following UN advice on which measures to give priority.

The government’s proposal will most likely be presented to the Storting within a week.

Press contact: Acting Head of Information Odd Naustdal, mobile +47 91 14 94 90