A general view of a relief camp for the flood-hit people in Sehwan.—AFP

UNITED NATIONS: The aid crisis caused by widespread summer flooding in Pakistan may continue for months, with remaining flood waters not expected to recede for another three to five months, the UN humanitarian chief said Thursday.

Valerie Amos, the undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, recently returned from Pakistan, where she surveyed relief efforts last week.

She told journalists that food, water and shelter are still being provided to millions of people affected by the flooding.

''There is still a great deal to do,'' said Amos. ''People are still experiencing an acute emergency situation that requires international attention.''

The emergency relief coordinator said that humanitarian access continues to be a problem in some areas because of governmental worries about the security of aid workers amid continued conflict.

She also said the UN and its partners have received slightly less than half of the $1.94 billion they requested for flood relief, and called on countries and international organizations to provide the rest.

The renewed call for relief funds comes the week after the US military ended its relief mission helping Pakistan flood victims.

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