Hunger and more flooding is plight of Pakistanis

Calcutta News.Net
Saturday 21st August, 2010

In streams of humanity, Pakistanis have been leaving large areas of flood plain in any way that they can.

In an effort to reach higher ground, about 150,000 people have left southern Sindh province, with flood waters submerging more towns and villages.

The floods have now hit the major rice-growing areas in the north of the province, where authorities have been struggling to create embankments along the edge of Shahdadkot district to prevent any further overflow.

The rains and resultant floods have already affected about one-fifth of Pakistan’s territory, leaving six million people homeless and 20 million affected overall.

The rate of relief has been doubled by the various agencies, with shelter now provided for a million people.

Although aid groups have been trying to help the government by providing food, medicine, shelter and other crucial assistance, they are likely to be held back once again by poor weather.

Many aid agencies, trying to get to more remote areas, have been frustrated by the destruction of roads and bridges.

Have your say on this story