UN's Ban Ki-Moon Says Pakistan Floods Are Worst Disaster He's Ever Seen

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said devastation caused by unprecedented flooding in Pakistan was among the worst he had ever seen, as he promised more relief funds for those who have lost homes and farms.

“This has been a heart-wrenching day for me,” Ban said yesterday at a press conference with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari. “I will never forget the destruction and suffering I have witnessed today. In the past, I have witnessed many natural disasters around the world, but nothing like this.”

Speaking during a visit to the country, Ban said the UN was allocating a further $10 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund, making $27 million allocated since the crisis began. He said the organization would aim to provide help for 14 million people affected by the floods and deliver clean water to 6 million people.

The government canceled the Aug. 14 Independence Day celebrations to show solidarity with flood victims, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan said. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani hosted a meeting of political leaders in the capital, Islamabad, that agreed to set up a national fund to rehabilitate people affected by the disaster. As many as 20 million people have been displaced, Gilani said.

“This disaster is far from over,” Ban told reporters yesterday. “The rains are still falling and could continue for weeks. The United Nations and international community and international humanitarian community are moving as fast as we can to help the government deliver desperately needed humanitarian assistance.”