Clegg says flood-hit Pak will need long-term aid

London, Sept 2 (ANI): British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said Pakistan will require long-term aid in the wake of it being devastated by floods. Clegg was visiting one of the worst hit regions near Sukkur."It's going to take years and years for normality to come back to Pakistan," he said.

"We have to make a huge effort to provide important emergency aid, but really stick with this for the long term," he added.

The Pakistan Air Force flood relief camp at Sukkur has over 3,000 refugees.

Clegg expressed concerns over stagnant water in many areas that posed a "real danger of diseases taking hold".

He also warned that extremist groups might pose danger in such situations.

"The danger always is that you get groups who have an ulterior motive who provide aid to try to curry favour," he added.

At Sukkur airport, Clegg also met Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari who was also there for camp visit, BBC reports.

Britain has committed 33 million pounds in aid. The charity appeal for Pakistan has raised an aid of 42 million pounds.

The floods have killed over 1,700 people and affected 20 million in Pakistan. Around 1.2 million homes have also been destroyed. (ANI)