UNITED NATIONS, Jan 18: A top UN official has said that despite continuing logistic and financial challenges, the United Nations is equipped to sustain humanitarian relief work for earthquake survivors in northern Pakistan during the remaining two to three months of harsh Himalayan winter.

Speaking at a press conference Margareta Wahlstrom, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, however, warned that without full funding the relief operation’s logistic system would suffer and that funding for health services would need replenishment at the end of January.

“We’ll aim at ensuring that minimal health support can be provided and that it can be sustained over the next few months. No one will die because of lack of support through the United Nations appeal,” she said.

During the South Asia Flash Appeal, the international donor community had pledged and committed 56 per cent of the requested $550 million in humanitarian aid for Pakistan and Ms Wahlstrom expressed optimism that a steady flow of funds would continue.

Ms Wahlstrom made her remarks 100 days after the earthquake that rocked northern Pakistan. The office of the UNHCR has since made significant progress, assisting Pakistani authorities and 144 non-governmental organizations in 144 camps.