3 Million Affected by Pakistan's Worst Flooding in Decades
VOA News 03 August 2010
The United Nations says the worst floods to hit Pakistan in 80 years have impacted 3.2 million people, amid warnings of new flooding and further devastation.
The floods, triggered by monsoon rains, have killed at least 1,500 people, the majority in the country's northwest.
UNICEF says there is a crucial need for food and safe drinking water, and is warning of the potential for waterborne disease outbreaks such as diarrhea and cholera.
Pakistani authorities issued new flood warnings on Tuesday as heavy rainfall continued.
Residents living near Warsak Dam on the outskirts of Peshawar in northwestern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province were put on alert as water levels rose. Floodwaters are also moving towards central Punjab province and southern Sindh.
Flood victims across Pakistan have expressed anger at what they say is the government's slow response to the disaster. Many are criticizing President Asif Ali Zardari's decision to travel to Europe for a state visit.
Meanwhile, relief efforts have beenslowed by flooded roads and washed out bridges, as well as damaged utilities.
The World Food Program says nearly two million flood victims are in need of food assistance. The WFP says it has delivered rations to 40,000 hungry families in the Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda and Nowshera areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The World Health Organization has sent medicine and equipment for 200,000 people in affected areas.
The U.N. and United States have each pledged $10 million for relief efforts. Britain has promised $8 million.
Islamist charities, some with suspected ties to militant groups, also have stepped in to provide aid to flood victims.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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