Hollywood star and humanitarian activist Angelina Jolie said the flood disaster in Pakistan should be a “wake-up call” to the world on climate change, and called for more international aid after meeting with victims.
Hollywood star Angelina Jolie has revisited Pakistan.
Religious belief is not necessary to hear the creations of pain and suffering, just feeling is enough. As a nation, we should thank Angelina Jolie and also demand the award of Pakistan’s highest civilian award. pic.twitter.com/NBR35Adf8g— Fareed Bugti (@Fareedbugti92) September 21, 2022
Pakistan was hit by unprecedented rainfall that engulfed a third of the country – an area the size of the UK – and killed nearly 1,600 people, according to the latest government figures.
More than seven million people are displaced, many living in makeshift tents with no protection from mosquitoes and often with little access to clean water or sanitation.
“I’ve never seen anything like it”Jolie, who had previously visited Pakistan to meet victims of the devastating floods of 2010 and the deadly earthquake of 2005, said in images released Thursday.
“I am absolutely with you in pressuring the international community to do more… I think this is a real wake-up call to the world about the state we have achieved,” he said at a meeting of civilian and military officials in the capital Islamabad.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” says Angelina Jolie on #Pakistan flood devastation.
“If there’s not enough help, they won’t make it, too many children, so malnourished… winter is coming.. I’m overwhelmed, but I don’t think it’s fair to say that because I don’t live in this” pic.twitter.com/uY2k1123jS— Mehreen Zahra Malik (@mehrenzahra) September 21, 2022
“Climate change is not just real and it doesn’t just happen, it’s well represented here”he added.
The actress, who represents the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), visited the southern province of Sindh, one of the worst affected areas, where she met displaced victims of the floods.
Ms. Angelina Jolie, Sp Envoy of UN High Comr for Refugees, visited the Nat’l Flood Response Coordination Center and was briefed on the relief, rescue and rehabilitation efforts being carried out for flood victims.#FloodsInPakistan pic.twitter.com/7qh8iwvVli
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) September 21, 2022
The United Nations has warned of a “second disaster” of diseases such as dengue, malaria, cholera and diarrhea, as well as malnutrition. “I’ve talked to people and thought if there’s not enough help, they won’t be here for the next few weeks, they won’t be able to”said Jolie.
Scientists have linked heavy rainfall to climate change.
Source: DN
