Monday, August 9, 2010

Pakistan Floods: Rainfall Sweeping South


Thousands of people are fleeing their homes in southern Pakistan amid fears the region could experience devastation similar to that seen in the north.
Many residents are camped out on roads, bridges and railway tracks in the districts of Punjab and Sindh.
Canals in Muzaffargarh, in Sindh province, have been breached, allowing more water to flow in.
Water levels at the Sukkur Barrage, also in Sindh, are at a dangerous point, with the flow recorded at 1.4m cubic metres a second.
The structure can only cope with 900,000 cubic metres a second.
It is now estimated 1,600 people have been killed in the floods - the worst in Pakistan's history.
Landslides triggered by fresh rainfall are hampering efforts across the country to help the 15m people affected.
Parts of the Swat valley have been cut off and poor weather is making it difficult for aid workers to deliver food.
Some are walking or using donkeys to reach those in need of support.
Meanwhile, the UN says the country will need billions of dollars in aid to recover.
Martin Mogwanja, the UN humanitarian co-ordinator in Pakistan, said operations need "to be massively scaled up".
"Shelter, plastic sheeting and household goods are the most important gap. Stocks need to be urgently airlifted to the affected areas," he said.

The Disasters and Emergency Committee (DEC) has set up an appeal to raise money, and has received £2.5m in donations so far.
Pakistan's government has faced intense criticism of its response to the disaster, and Islamist organisations have established aid operations in many parts of the country.
Jamaat-ud-Dawa, an organisation which has links to the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, has stepped in.
It has batted aside its connections with LeT and allegations that it is seeking to influence the people it is helping.
"We don't have any political agenda, our work is totally humanitarian," said spokesman Yahya Mujahid.
Many of those affected appear to be grateful for their presence.
Gul Mohammad Khan, a retired policeman in Isa Khel, said: "For us they're angels. We don't care who they are or what their agenda is.
"We were in crisis and they were the first to help. That's it."
: : Donations can be made by calling 03706 060 900 or by visiting the committee's website at dec.org.uk.

No comments:

Post a Comment