Thousands left homeless by floods in Pakistan

Muslim Aid is assessing the damage caused by the recent flash floods in Pakistan that have left approximately 32 people dead and destroyed over 1,000 homes, leaving 110 villages under water. The floods, triggered by four days of torrential rain have caused massive damage to homes, buildings and bridges in the suburbs of Peshawar and the adjoining Khyber Agency. South-westerly winds bring heavy rains throughout South Asia in the June to September monsoon season.

The floods have caused damage to infrastructure causing buildings to collapse and communications systems have gone down. Many people have taken refuge out in the open or on roof tops, trees and electricity poles. Food shortages and water contamination are of huge concern. Hand pumps are not operational due to mud and polluted water. The floods destroyed the majority of maize, tomato and sugarcane crops and have killed hundreds of livestock.

Muslim Aid Pakistan visited the flood affected areas and reported that mud houses have been washed away and people have been left with no shelter. Some of the dead were killed when their roofs collapsed. Many women and children were swept away with the floods as they could not reach higher rooftops to take refuge. Cases of diarrhea, throat infection, Scabies, viral infections and cholera have been reported along with some cases of snake bites.

Muslim Aid on the ground has begun distributing blankets, footwear and tents in Miskeenabad, Patvar and Teriya Pan. We have also been focusing on long term solutions to provide clean drinking water through water trekker purifciation systems and aqua tabs.

NWFP Information Minister has stated that the floods in Peshawar are ebbing away, however weather experts have forecast more rain in the region over the next 24 hours.