New flood warnings in Pakistan

Meanwhile, Pakistan's meteorological department has issued new flood warnings, raising fears that the destruction is not over.

"The flood water is increasing at different points and we are expecting more rain in next 24 hours," the chief meteorologist for Punjab told the AFP news agency.

"This is an alarming situation. Conditions are miserable in those areas, particularly at Tounsa and Gaddu barrages. There are extremely high floods at Kot Addu and other parts," he said.

Survivors complain they have been abandoned by the government, organising protests in the northwestern city of Peshawar and on Wednesday blocking the motorway to Islamabad for 1.5 hours.

Particular scorn has been reserved for Asif Ali Zardari, the country's president, for pressing ahead with visits to Paris and London at the height of the disaster.

Several foreign countries have stepped in to help, and an international relief campaign has included a promise of a $10m aid package from the United States, while the UN will disburse up to the same amount from an emergency response fund.

"We've sent over boats to help with search and rescue, water purification units to provide clean water for thousands of people and temporary bridges to replace bridges damaged by the floods," Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, said.

"This represents just the start of our efforts. We will continue to help Pakistan in the days and weeks ahead," she said.

The British government pledged $8m in aid, while Australia pledged $4.4m and China $1.5m.

Other countries including Indonesia, South Korea and Canada have also promised help.