UN acknowledges Pakistan peacekeepers' rescue efforts in DRC

More than 2,000 people were rescued in the flood-hit area

The United Nations acknowledged Pakistan peacekeepers efforts of rescuing more than 2,000 people stranded due to heavy floods in Uvira region of South Kivu in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The UNSG spokesperson tweeted on Thursday that Pakistan is among the top contributors the UN peacekeeping operations around the world.

https://twitter.com/UN_Spokesperson/status/1255942429922021377

Earlier on April 27, the  Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that “Torrential floods erupted in Uvira and surroundings in Congo starting last week, which continued for days. Rains and flooding damaged thousands of houses and affected nearly 75,000 people,”

The ISPR said that Pakistani blue helmets, who are part of the UN rushed to the affected area and “built a stone embankment to check flood water, which was strong enough to shift people and vehicles from the affected area”.

Pakistani Blue Helmets, part of UN Mission in Congo (MONUSCO) immediately rushed to the affected areas for rescue and relief of local populace. Rescue parties were immediately dispatched with paramedics and rescue equipment to different locations. (2/4)

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) April 26, 2020

Stranded people were served with food and provided necessary medical care, the ISPR said, adding, “Pakistani Peacekeepers’ rescue efforts have been widely acknowledged by UN.”

Pakistan has more than 4,000 blue helmets serving under the UN for maintaining peace and stability across the world.

“157 Pakistani peacekeepers have laid their lives during various UN missions while serving humanity with honour and courage.”

Pakistani Blue Helmets, part of UN Mission in Congo (MONUSCO) immediately rushed to the affected areas for rescue and relief of local populace. Rescue parties were immediately dispatched with paramedics and rescue equipment to different locations. (2/4)

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) April 26, 2020