Flood-hit Pakistan accepts India aid

PAKISTAN has accepted £3.2 million in aid from arch-rival and neighbour, India, as the nation struggles to cope with its worst ever natural disaster.

The flood, which has left one-fifth of the country under water and affected 20 million people, has, as Pakistan's United Nations ambassador explained, transcended any differences between the two countries.

Abdullah Haroon welcomed the offer which followed a conversation between the Indian prime minister, Manmohan Singh, and his Pakistani counterpart, Yousuf Raza Gilani, on Thursday.

India's UN ambassador, Hardeep Singh Puri, said the donation of relief supplies was an initial offer and his country was ready to do more if needed. He said: "We are willing to do all in our power to assist Pakistan in facing the consequences of floods. We extend our wholehearted support to the government of Pakistan in its efforts for relief and rehabilitation of the population."

A two-day meeting of the UN Gene