In 2010 he was UN spokesperson for the 2010 Pakistan floods . He warned of an impending " second wave of death " that would result from post-flood disease and food shortages , stating that 3.5 million children were at risk of death if they did not get assistance , including due to cholera . He stated that " an already colossal disaster was getting worse and requiring an even more colossal response " , referring to the relief operations as " a marathon at sprint pace " , and giving figures of up to a million people displaced in 48 hours . He argued that the needs outpaced available resources , also due to endless rains . In response to Taliban threats to attack relief workers , Giuliano stated that they " would not be intimidated " by such threats and would continue working . He indicated that the floods had a worse impact than several other recent natural disasters combined , becoming the worst natural disaster in United Nations history . He attracted criticism for exaggerating the extent of the emergency but was also credited for bringing attention to it
2010 Pakistan floods
2010 Pakistan floods
Maurizio Giuliano