Pakistan floods worse than the tsunami

THE ESCALATING FLOODS in Pakistan could eclipse the world’s last three biggest disasters combined, according to the UN. Over 13 million people are now believed to be affected by the flooding, and adverse weather is continuing to hamper aid efforts.

The number of homes destroyed by the floods is estimated to be reaching the same level as January’s earthquake in Haiti. A new warning has been issued to residents in Muzaffargarh, central Pakistan, over fears that swollen rivers could soon submerge the area.

Thousands of people continue to flee the flood-stricken regions. Thirty people are missing after a crowded boat evacuating residents from the Punjab town of Jampur capsized on Sunday.

Facing the crisis: images from Pakistan

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Pakistani flood-affected children scuffle for food relief distributed by people in Nowshera in northwest Pakistan on Monday, Aug.9, 2010. (AP Photo/B.K.Bangash)
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A Pakistani crosses a canal with the help of cable wire on a damaged bridge, which was washed away by heave flood in Ghazi Gat near Muzaffargarh, in central Pakistan on Monday, Aug. 9, 2010. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
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Pakistani villagers flee their home due to heavy flood in Muzaffargarh, in central Pakistan. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
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People take shelter on higher ground due to flooding in an area of Jaffarabad, Pakistan. (AP Photo/Fida Hussain)
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A Pakistani flood affected woman sits on the bed as she with her family members take shelter on higher ground due to flooding in an area of Jaffarabad, Pakistan. (AP Photo/Fida Hussain)
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Pakistani villagers wait for transport to flee their homes due to heavy flooding in Muzaffargarh, in central Pakistan. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
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A Pakistani woman Zahida Perween, bottom, is seen with her new born babies behind, after she gave birth to twins on the roadside, and now is collected by an ambulance in Multan, Pakistan, after being rescued by the army from a flood-hit area of Sunawa, Pakistan. (AP Photo/Khalid Tanveer)
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Pakistani flood affected people get relief food in Nowshera, northwest Pakistan. (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)
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Push for aid

The UN is expected to launch a major appeal for international aid shortly. Over $38 million has been donated to date and another $90 million has been promised, but more money will be needed to help the country recover and provide food aid to replace the thousands of acres of crops that have been destroyed.

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Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has released a list of articles required from donors which includes boats, tents, generators, and medicines.

Ireland has already pledged €750,000 to help alleviate the crisis. The funding will be divided up between Concern, Trócaire, and the UN. The Irish Rapid Response Corps has been on standby since last week to help in providing expert emergency assistance if requested by Pakistan.

Below is the latest OCHA map depicting the spread of the flooding across the country:

Pakistan floods worse than the tsunami - UN

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Susan Ryan

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