ISLAMABAD, Oct 20: British Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn on Thursday called for turning the money committed by the international community for relief activities in the quake-hit areas into practical help.

The world also needs to commit more resources to deal with this enormous catastrophe, he told a press conference, as he announced a 20 million pound increase in the UK pledge for the relief effort taking the total pledge to 33 million pound.

His appeal to the world for more funds came ahead of three crucial meetings being held to muster support for relief activities in Pakistan.

The first of the meetings is being held on October 21 where NATO leaders would decide the size of the relief operation for Pakistan followed by a meeting of the European Union leaders on October 24 to deliberate on humanitarian assistance for quake victims and the donors conference being held in Geneva on October 26 also in connection with the quake situation. Britain would be a leading voice at these forums.

Alluding to the poor response of the United Nations, the UK secretary said the UN presence should be strengthened and that should be done quickly.

“The UN has got to play a lead role in dealing with the situation and should have a stronger presence on the ground, especially because we are running out of time,” Mr Benn said.

He was critical of the UN approach towards seeking funds after the calamity had occurred. Mr Benn suggested a review of the UN method of dealing with emergencies and setting up of a standing fund for disasters.

About his assessment of the situation, the secretary said, trauma and suffering resulting from the October quake, which left around 50,000 dead and three million homeless, had been substantial. “It is absolutely devastating.”

Stressing the need for tents, he said, without shelter it would be difficult for the homeless survivors to brave the elements. Many of the tents being used now are inappropriate for the chilling winter in the northern parts of the country.