Pakistan rescuers struggle in flood aftermath

Rescuers in Pakistan are struggling to reach 27,000 people still stranded by the worst floods in 80 years.

At least 1,100 people have died and, with entire communities devastated, it is now estimated that more than 1.5 million people desperately need help.

There are fears diarrhoea and cholera will spread among the homeless. Food and drinking water are in short supply.

The UN, China and US have already pledged aid for the rescue effort.

The army - which says it has rescued 28,000 people in recent days - predicts the initial search and rescue operation will take up to 10 days, says the BBC's Orla Guerin, who has been on board a military helicopter over the Swat Valley.

But the army says rebuilding the damaged areas could take 6 months or more.

In one area of the north-western region, there is a 70km (45-mile) no-go zone where 29 bridges have been destroyed, the army says, adding that some communities have been turned into islands.

There have been complaints from some survivors that the government response has been slow and inadequate.

The Pakistani military says it has committed 30,000 troops and dozens of helicopters to the relief effort, but winching individuals to safety is a slow process.

The army - which says it has rescued 28,000 people in recent days - predicts the initial search and rescue operation will take up to 10 days, says the BBC's Orla Guerin, who has been on board a military helicopter over the Swat Valley.

But the army says rebuilding the damaged areas could take 6 months or more.

In one area of the north-western region, there is a 70km (45-mile) no-go zone where 29 bridges have been destroyed, the army says, adding that some communities have been turned into islands.

There have been complaints from some survivors that the government response has been slow and inadequate.