§ Ms KinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the humanitarian impact is of the drought affecting south and west Asia; and how the Government are responding. [132627]
§ Clare ShortThe drought is part of a regional system affecting a belt of countries across west and south Asia. Its effect on the population is particularly acute in southern Afghanistan, western India, southern and central Pakistan, and to a lesser extent parts of Iran and Iraq. Water shortages have been exacerbated in many areas by poor management of limited sources. The principal effects of the drought include reduced crop production, sharp drops in household income, death of livestock and weakening of remaining herds, and health problems associated with reduced food intake and scarcity of water.
We have committed over £3.2 million for relief projects in response to the drought regionally. This support has been channelled through the World Food Programme for food distribution and food for work programmes; and through NGOs for schemes that target the more remote and vulnerable communities unlikely to be benefiting from Government schemes. We have also seconded a five-person team of specialists to support the UN in their assessment of the drought in Pakistan. We are monitoring the situation carefully and currently considering what further assistance to provide.