President Erdoan Calls PM Sharif, Turkey Continues Sending Aid for Pakistan Flood Victims

JAKARTA - Turkish authorities on Sunday continued their efforts to meet the needs of the Pakistani people, after devastating floods left a third of the country under water.

The Interior Ministry announced last week that it had sent notices for requests for assistance from 81 flood-hit provinces in Pakistan, as part of an aid project in coordination with the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).

On Sunday, the provinces of Kayseri, Kilis and Kastamonu sent aid trucks to Pakistan

Kastamonu Governor Avni Cakır told reporters Pakistan is experiencing a major disaster and they are starting a relief campaign for the Pakistani people, because of the massive flooding they are experiencing.

"We sent 2.150 food packages and 450 hygiene packages from Kastamonu today, for the goodness train that will leave for Pakistan," said Kastamonu Avni Cakır.

"With the campaign we are holding in 19 districts and our center, the packages are prepared in four days. We will expand this campaign to a larger mass. On the other hand, 1.500 other basic food packages are being prepared," he continued.

It is known that at least 33 million people have been affected by the unprecedented flooding, which most observers say is a direct result of climate change.

Pakistan's Ministry of Finance estimates the floods have inflicted at least $12 billion worth of damage on the country's economy, which has struggled with a high current account and fiscal deficit.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif discussed the latest situation in the country and relief efforts in a phone call on Sunday.

President Erdogan said he was closely following Pakistan's fight against the flood disaster. It is known, Turkey has so far sent 12 planes and three trains to help Pakistan flood victims.