The freak monsoon rains that left parts of Pakistan completely underwater and dangerously flooded have returned this week, with further persistence. The waters begun to recede slightly last week, and have now revealed more of the horror and destruction of flooding. Further torrential rains in the past couple of days have halted some aid helicopters and rescue missions, leaving yet more people affected...

The UN estimates that the floods have already affected up to 14 million people. Recent aerial photographs have identified a complete wipe out of crops and grain storages, as well as live stock leaving Pakistan with a grim food shortage. Aid has already been flying in from worldwide organisations, however in some areas where waters have yet to recede - aid has proven difficult to distribute.

"The disaster has spiralled beyond the government’s capacity... millions of people have suffered and there is still more rain and further losses are feared."

Pakistan, along with neighbouring countries in the region, is annually accustomed to the monsoon seasonal rains (which can last for up to 3-4 months). However, over the past couple of years the rains have become steadily heavier. This year the rains have poured in from Afghanistan and India through the northwest into the agricultural heartlands of Punjab, spreading over tens of kilometres into Pakistan’s southern parts, such as Sindh.

The government has reassured the press and the global community about their progress and difficulties. Major General Abbas spoke to journalists earlier last week stating that 50,000 troops had been called in for the rescue missions. He then went on to report that:

"In Malakand (one of the worst affected areas) not a single bridge is intact, the complete communication infrastructure has been destroyed, and therefore there have been areas which have got isolated and aid reached quite late. But the rescue operation has almost been completed. Now it is basically relief - a lot of relief camps have come up, the medical aid is there and the soldiers have given their own rations out."

However, it is evident that more needs to be done. This week Pakistani Prime Minister Yousef Raza Gilani spoke to reporters after visiting Sindh providence, and he urged for more international aid.

“The disaster has spiralled beyond the government’s capacity... millions of people have suffered and there is still more rain and further losses are feared. I appeal to the world to help us; we are doing what we can."

An immediate part of the relief at this stage also involves medical care against air borne diseases, which are spreading fast. According to aid agencies there have been outbreaks of diarrhoea and cholera. Children are most at risk and clean water and sanitation are of highest priority. The situation is critical and action is needed now. 

Words: Fadah Jassem
Photo: Reuters / Andrees Latif - courtesy of www.alertnet.org

Pakistan Floods Appeal

The DEC has also launched an appeal for Pakistan, which Christian Aid and Ctrl.Alt.Shift are supporting. The two week period of joint action began this week. Please visit the DEC website to find out more and donate to the appeal.