WFP's food rations to run out in 30 days

Supply of food reduced by half for flood victims as only one month's worth of rations remain.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has been left with only one month's worth of rations for Pakistan's flood victims.

WFP spokesperson Amjad Jamal said that in isolated areas like the North of Pakistan where flood victims are extremely vulnerable, the WFP will supply full rations. But rations to parts of Sindh, Punjab and Gilgit Baltistan will be halved in November, and may be closed completely if adequate funds are not received.

Jamal said an appeal of $600 million was made but only $200 million have been received so far.

The spokesperson said the WFP has to provide food for about 7.2 million people and expressed fear about the plight of flood victims in the future.

He said that an appeal will be launched by the government of Pakistan on November 5, to approach the donors to donate more funds.

Last month the WFP had asked for a $180 million cash grant for use in October and November as the agency feared a shortage of essential components in the food basket.

“This emergency is beyond the capacity of just the UN. The government needs to take the lead. The WFP needs tremendous help and support and the donors need to facilitate our efforts as soon as possible. There are in-country stocks for the upcoming months and we can do local purchases provided we have the cash. However, due to the shortage we might have to make international purchases and we are getting the message out for cash donations. Currently, we are lacking millions of dollars,” Kaatrud told The Express Tribune last month.