Pope Francis calls for international cooperation to help flood-hit Pakistan

Pope Francis has called on the international community to help people affected by devastating flooding that has killed dozens of people and displaced thousands of others in Pakistan.

During his visit to the city of L’Aquila in Italy, he appealed for prompt and generous international solidarity with Pakistan. The Pope said he is praying for the flood victims.

Pakistan has appealed for international help, as the death toll in the South Asian nation continues to rise.

According to officials, the US, UK, UAE and others have contributed to a disaster appeal, but more funds are needed.

Meanwhile, flood relief centers are being established in various parts of the country to assist collection, transportation and distribution of flood relief goods to victims, the Pakistan Armed Forces said.

Army troops are also helping people evacuate to safer places, providing shelter, meals and providing medical care to those affected by the floods, the armed forces said.

The National Disaster Management Authority said that over 1,000 have been killed since June as a result of Monsoon rains.

Constant rains and raging floods have forced thousands to leave their homes, destroyed a large chunk of infrastructure and agricultural lands across the country, including tens of thousands of houses, roads, and bridges, and washed away nearly a million animals.