ISLAMABAD – Australia has announced to extend $2mn in aid to Pakistan forflood victims as tens of thousands of people were displaced after recorddownpour triggered the worst deluge in the South Asian country.

Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong said that Canberra wouldprovide $2 million to flood-ravaged country in urgent humanitarianassistance. Immediate humanitarian aid will be provided to help rescuethose affected by the natural disaster, the statement said.

The Australian minister also extends deepest sympathies and condolences tothe families and communities that have lost loved ones.

Australia’s support would be delivered through the World Food Programme toassist the Pakistan Government and its people to respond to immediatehumanitarian needs, particularly those disproportionately affected by thefloods, including women, children, and the vulnerable, the statement said.

Aid from abroad is starting to arrive as PM Sharif launched an appeal forhelp. China, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, US, UK, and other nationsannounced aid including tents, food and other necessities.

At least 1,136 people have been killed since June and roads, crops, homesand bridges washed away across Pakistan, while Sindh, Balochistan, and KPremained the worst hit areas.

At least 33 million people have been impacted by the floods, which havesubmerged one-third of the country. More than 1,000 people have died.

Earlier, the climate change minister termed the flooding, caused by anintense monsoon season, a climate-induced humanitarian disaster of epicproportions.