欧美文化:Pakistan government approves over 13 mln USD for assistance to flood victims

ISLAMABAD, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's government on Thursday approved 3 billion rupees (13.36 million U.S. dollars) in funds for providing assistance to flood-affected people in the South Asian country.

The finance ministry said that at a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet, it was decided that the government will provide the money to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for relief supplies, rescue operations, and rehabilitation of the flood-affected people.

The Pakistani government will also provide 540 million rupees to utility stores in the flood-hit areas to ensure a smooth supply of essential commodities to the affected people.

The country's state news agency Associated Press of Pakistan reported that the utility stores have taken an active part in the relief operations of supplying essential food items in flood-affected areas in collaboration with provincial governments.

Due to the emergency situation and based on the preliminary need assessment, 113,700 ration bags amounting to 540 million rupees will be disbursed to the flood-affected families, the report said. (1 U.S. dollar equals 224.56 Pakistani rupees)