Angelina Jolie meets Pakistan flood victims

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Angelina Jolie in Pakistan with the UNHCR

Angelina Jolie has travelled to Pakistan to meet victims of the recent floods, in a bid to raise awareness and funds for their plight.

The Hollywood star arrived in the country on Tuesday and met Afghan refugees whose camp near the town of Nowshera in the north east was totally destroyed by the floods.

She has visited several camps in the area in her role as UN goodwill ambassador, where she went out of her way to speak to women and children.

Angelina said she had met many people whose lives were ruined by the recent flooding, including mothers who had lost their children and an elderly couple who may never be able to rebuild their home.

'I am very moved by them and I hope that I am able to, today and tomorrow, be able to do something to help bring attention to the situation for all of the people in need in Pakistan,' she said.

'From what I understand, the situation is on a scale we have not really seen. It's on a huge scale.'

The actress, 35, wore a long black and red embroidered cloak, which covered her head, and a long sleeved top to comply with the region's religious values.

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The floods started in July after heavy monsoon rains and have killed more than 1,700 people. It's believed another 21m have been affected by five weeks of flooding and will need emergency aid to survive.

UN officials hope Angelina's visit will focus the world's attention on the needs of Pakistan's flood victims and help raise much-needed funds.

'We need more well-known figures who can keep the spotlight and focus because people tend to forget internationally,' said Ajay Chhibber, a UN assistant secretary general.
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The UN has, so far, raised less than two-thirds of its $460m target and donations are now at a standstill.

'If we don't raise the money then people will die - it's as simple as that,' added UN spokesman Maurizio Guiliano.

Angelina herself has donated $100,000 (£65,000) to the cause - almost twice as much as the country's own president.

'These people displaced by the floods, all their homes washed away. Many of them lost their children during the floods,' she said, visibly moved during her visit.

If you'd like to donate to the Pakistan floods appeal, click here.

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Wednesday 8 September 2010

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Angelina jolie is like an angel. We appreciate her. She is always welcome to visit us. She lives in our hearts. XXX
Comment by Jazzz on September 07 17:02

we are very thankful to come our country in pakistan to help our flood effected people, mis angelina thank you very much.irfan khan
Comment by IRFANKHAN on September 07 17:05

we are very thankfull to angelina jolie for helping victims by flood in pakistan and she doing her best to raise fund for affected people we will always pray for her blessings, thanks angelina
Comment by Arif Khan on September 07 17:09

thanks Angelina jolie
Comment by wanderleaf on September 07 20:34