President Jacob. G Zuma extends condolences and message of support to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan following heavy floods

President Jacob. G Zuma today, Thursday, 5 August 2010, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to President Asif Ali Zardari and the Government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, following extensive damage caused by the worst monsoon rains and floods that have already killed more than 1 500 people over the last week and affected 3 million others.

President Zuma earlier said: “I have learnt with a deep sense of sadness of the extensive damage that has been caused by the heavy rains in Pakistan”. Much of the flooding is from the River Indus, which originates in the Himalayas and travels through the country.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa, I wish to extend our condolences to the Government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan during this time of loss and sadness.”

President Zuma further expressed his support to the families and relatives of the people who are affected and still waiting for assistance. “Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time, and we wish the rescue and recovery teams deployed every success in their efforts.”

For more information, please contact the Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi on +27 82 840 1647, 012 351 0083 or email him at molobisk@dirco.gov.za. Alternatively, please contact President’s Special Advisor on Communications, Mr Zizi Kodwa, on +27 82 330 4910. 

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
OR Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
PRETORIA
0001

5 August 2010