Flood in Pakistan

World pledges 700 million dollars for Pakistan floods: US

2010-08-24T05:40:00.000-05:00

World pledges 700 million dollars for Pakistan floods: US

(AFP) – 11 hours ago

WASHINGTON — The United States and other countries worldwide have now pledged a total of more than 700 million dollars towards flood relief in Pakistan, a senior US official said Monday.

The United Nations General Assembly meeting last Thursday was "a real galvanizing moment in terms of contributions from other countries," said Dan Feldman, the deputy special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"By our count, we?ve seen over 700 million dollars pledged, including our own 150 million dollar commitment, from over 30 countries," Feldman told reporters without giving a country-by-country breakdown.

He also said there are an "additional 300 million dollars in as yet undefined commitments" from a variety of countries.

He said there would be more multi-lateral meetings to coordinate the international aid response in the coming weeks, including a possible gathering on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in late September.

The Financial Tracking Service (FTS), a UN database that aims to track all donations, showed late Friday that 490.7 million dollars has come in for Pakistan's floods, with another 325 million dollars promised.

Just over half came via the UN's emergency appeal fund while the rest came via bilateral aid, chiefly from Saudi Arabia, charities or private organizations and companies.

The United Nations launched a 460-million-dollar appeal for donations on August 11, saying this was the amount it estimated was needed by Pakistan to recover from the disaster.

Sportpersons to go on streets to raise funds for flood victims

2010-08-24T05:37:00.000-05:00

Karachi, Aug 24 (PTI) Top cricketers and hockey Olympians of Pakistan will go out on the streets of major cities to raise funds for the millions of flood affected people of the country. Former Test captain Moin Khan told a press conference yesterday that many former and present players have given their consent for the fund collection and raising drive that would start next week. "All the players want to play their role in collecting funds for the flood victims and we will go out on the streets and implore with the people to donate funds and anything else they can to make life easier for the millions affected in the devastation," Moin said. Many former and present cricketers and hockey stars of Pakistan have been working under the umbrella of the Islamic Relief Fund, which has offices in many parts of the world to raise funds for noble causes. Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Rashid Latif and Moin have also attended the Islamic Relief Fund charity events in Dubai, the UK and US in recent past to gather funds for different causes. "When the earthquake struck our country five years back we launched a similar fund raising drive by going on to the streets and the response was overwhelming for us," Moin said. Former Test player Jalaluddin said the sporting fraternity wanted to play its part in raising funds for the flood victims as they commanded lot of respect, love and credibility among the Pakistani people. Former player and a leading official of the Islamic Relief Fund, Haris Khan said that sportspersons would go on the streets in walkathons and set up camps to collect funds and goods. "We will then ourselves travel to the flood affected areas and distribute these among the deserving victims of the devastating floods," he said. The Pakistan Cricket Board has already announced its intentions to organise some charity matches to raise funds for the flood victims. The national team players have also announced that they would give part of their match fees for the flood victims. PTI Cor SSC

China "lost no time" in delivering aid to flood-hit Pakistan

2010-08-24T05:36:00.000-05:00

Source: Xinhua
[08:32 August 24 2010]
Comments

China "lost no time" in delivering badly needed relief items to flood-hit Pakistan, Pakistani ambassador to China Masood Khan said Monday.

"China was one the first countries to respond to the relief needs of Pakistan when it was hit by the worst floods in 81 years. China moved with speed," said Khan in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

China increased its aid from 1.5 million US dollars to 10 million US dollars, including tents, sludge cleaning and water purifying equipment, generators, blankets, food, bottled water, and medicines to the neighboring south Asian state.

The Pakistani embassy to China has received messages of solidarity and sympathy from Chinese from all walks of life -- students, doctors, engineers, corporate executives, media persons, academics, artists, and farmers, Khan said.

One company in Chengdu donated 1,000 tons of rice. A dean of the prestigious Tsinghua University donated a month's salary for relief. Professionals of a company who had worked in Pakistan collected funds for the victims.

The embassy had opened an account with the Bank of China for the "Pakistan Prime Minister's Relief Fund" and the smallest donation was 10 yuan, while the largest was 800,000 yuan (117,666 US dollars).

"This, I would say, is the China spirit - the spirit of Pakistan-China friendship," said Khan.

"It is not fair for any country or any person to make oblique references to China's relief assistance to Pakistan or to urge China to do more," he said.

"China and Pakistan have the strongest of relations and we can get in touch with each other in an instant. No intercession is needed," he said.

"Besides, it is like pushing at an open door." Khan said Pakistan was briefing the Chinese government on the floods situation at all levels, and "China keeps responding."

He said his country had requested provision of equipment (prefabricated) bridges and China was preparing a fresh consignment for northern part of Pakistan.

China had helped the Pakistanis navigate some of the most daunting strategic challenges, he said, naming the 2005 earthquake.

The ambassador labelled post-floods phase in Pakistan "most important for China's involvement," as floods had swept away roads, bridges, crops, houses, livestock, and communication systems.

"China knows Pakistan's economic, agricultural and infrastructure landscape. We would need China's industrial, agricultural and corporate expertise in the next phases of early recovery and rehabilitation, and especially during reconstruction," said the ambassador.

Pakistan needed China's agricultural support to recover and re-till land. It needed most Chinese corporations in the reconstruction of roads, bridges and power plants, he said.

Pakistan floods: 'Desperate for doctors'‎

2010-08-24T05:32:00.001-05:00

Omar Ahsan, an interior designer living in Karachi, has visited 17 remote mountain villages in the Shangla district, NWFP.

"I have a comfortable life in Karachi and when this calamity hit, me and some of my friends felt we had to help some of the affected people. First we took food relief to Peshawar and some other urban areas of the NWFP.

Then I got a phone call from a driver, who used to work for me. He said he's been seeing bodies in the river where he lives, about 150km from Islamabad. He said there were many, many bodies, hundreds of them, and that they all came from Shangla district.

At that moment I decided I should go to that place. I came over here alone. I managed to get one truck of relief. It's a big district, hundreds of kilometres. The whole network had collapsed, the telecommunication network has come down.

When I reached the end of the roads, I had to start walking.

I spent the last four days travelling on the outskirts of Shangla district, walking in a mountainous terrain. I covered about 55km and visited 17 villages.

People there are hungry and thirsty. There's no electricity, no water, no gas, no food supplies. The nearest place where food is being distributed is Karora and the queues are 3-4km long.

Thousands of people come down from the mountains and stand in the sun for a whole day in order to get a bag of flour. The queues are long, these are simple people, their patience is compromised, queues are broken and some go away with bruises and injuries.

In each village I went I was supported by the elders and I was joined by volunteers. Elders would tell me how many houses were destroyed, I would gather the data and issue them with a token to come to Karora where we had our own food supplies waiting for them.

Yesterday we set up a camp in Karora. From early morning till late afternoon we distributed food to 300 families, which is probably more than 3,000 people. It was a tough day.

But work is far from over. People desperately need more food and most importantly they need lady doctors. There are hundreds of thousands of women and children without a doctor. Kids were crying of pain and mothers were begging me to bring them female doctors.

If someone is ill, they put him on a stretcher which four men carry down the mountain until they reach the nearest hospital. That could take a couple of days of walking. And there are hundreds of thousands of people stuck there without any help."

Nasrullah Jamali, from a village in Baluchistan

Nasrullah Jamali fled to Karachi after his village in Baluchistan was hit by the floods a week ago. He describes the devastation for him and his villagers.

"Our homes are gone, everything is gone. The water level is now 6 to 8ft. People can't live there. There's nothing left.

We knew the water was coming, we knew it was expected, we were seeing that it was coming.

“Start Quote

There's nothing we can do. We are still in the state of shock”

End Quote

Me and my family left and we are now staying in the house of my uncle in Karachi. But many people couldn't afford to leave.

I speak to my villagers all the time.

They are now staying in shelters made by themselves using plastic sheets. They don't have water and food. Yesterday there was one helicopter to get food to them, but it's not enough.

There's a nearby place - about 3km away from my village - I am told there are six people trapped there, surrounded by water.

I try to organise aid for them. I am contacting the army to send relief helicopters to them.

There are sick people and they don't have any medicine. I can't describe it in words - it's a very serious situation.

I don't know when we'll be able to return to our home. It will probably take six months. There's nothing we can do. We are still in the state of shock."

Ghulam Nabi Magsi, who visited flood-hit Sindh Province

Ghulam Nabi Magsi was visiting relatives in the province of Sindh in the middle of August, when the floods swept through the village. Now back in Lahore, he describes that moment - and the current situation in the village.

"I was on holiday visiting my relatives in their small village in Ghotki district, Singh province, when the floods came. It was a horrible situation. The floodwaters were everywhere.

Our area was the first to be affected after the flood in Punjab. We thought it was not going to be that big, but it turned out to be a mega flood. The houses were completely flooded.

People fled leaving everything behind. Me and my immediate family returned to Lahore and other relatives went to Karachi.

Sindh is now being described as the worst-hit province

The waters have moved south and a few of my relatives, all men, have returned to the village. They say the water level is down, but there are many problems.

The houses are damaged by the water, but they'll repair them. The problem they now face is lack of water. The water is not suitable for drinking and there's the danger of water-borne diseases.

They get help from the government and from people living in nearby areas that haven't been affected.

They expect their wives and children to join them by the end of the month."

Pakistan Floods 'Outrunning Relief Efforts'

2010-08-24T05:31:00.000-05:00

Flood waters are set to rise further in Pakistan as officials negotiate with the International Monetary Fund on how to shore-up the battered economy to maintain stability.

Emergency teams are working to shore up a system of levees protecting two southern cities as the crisis continues to grow.

The worst floods in decades, which began nearly a month ago with hammering rains in the country's northwest, have affected more than 17 million people, a UN official said.

Now, the waters are spreading through the rice-growing belt in southern Sindh province district by district, breaking through or flowing over embankments one by one.

"The floods are outrunning our relief efforts. We move faster and faster, but the finish line keeps moving further ahead," United Nations spokesman Maurizio Giuliano said.

Flooding In Sindh Province

View Pakistan Floods in a larger map

In Shadad Kot, in Sindh province, authorities are increasingly worried that even the 10 miles of new levees soldiers have built may not hold back the waters from the city as well as Qambar city further south.

Workers have piled stones and sandbags to plug leaks in the levees, trying to keep on top of any damage to the defences.

Around 90% of Shadad Kot's 350,000 residents have already fled the city and many have also left Qambar and other nearby towns.

On the eastern side of the city, levees were under pressure from nine-foot high floodwaters, said Yaseen Shar, a top administrative official.

Flood survivors flee Shadad Kot as emergency workers battle to reinforce the levees

Meanwhile, Pakistan's president Asif Ali Zardari has defended the government's much-criticised response to the country's record-breaking flood crisis.

Authorities have been accused of moving too slowly, and Islamist charities, some with suspected links to militant groups, have rapidly provided relief to Pakistanis already frustrated with their leaders' track record on security, poverty and chronic power shortages.

Mr Zardari said anger at the government in the coming months is inevitable given the scale of the disaster, comparing it to the anti-government sentiment generated by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the US.

"There will be discontent, there is no way any nation, even a superpower.... can bring the same level of satisfaction that will be close to the expectations of the people," he said.

"Surely we will try and meet them as much as we can."

But he insisted the government "had functioned to its fullest capacity".

The IMF has said it will review Pakistan's budget and economic prospects due to the magnitude of the disaster.

Agriculture, the mainstay of the economy, has been hit hard. The floods have destroyed or extensively damaged crops over 4.25 million acres of land, food minister Nazar Muhammad Gondal said.

The IMF help may come in the form of lowering some of the fiscal targets of the loan program or allowing the government to abandon it and take IMF emergency funding for countries hit by natural disasters.

Flood-hit Pakistan seeks IMF's help

2010-08-24T05:30:00.002-05:00

As Pakistanis brace for more flooding in the south of their country, officials are holding talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about the country's battered economy and how to maintain stability.

The floods have so far killed 1,500 people and affected up to 20 million others, with survivors facing the threat of disease.

It is estimated the country's economic losses could spiral to more than $40 billion and there are renewed concerns that Islamic militants may exploit the chaos.

Aid workers now say the scale of Pakistan's humanitarian disaster is gargantuan and growing.

Millions are living in temporary camps in the flood-hit areas.

But the cramped and unhygienic conditions, combined with food shortages and intense heat, raise the spectre of potentially fatal disease outbreaks, such as cholera.

The United Nations says there are already more than 120,000 case of suspected dengue and malaria, while skin infections and diarrhoea have affected hundreds of thousands more.

Relief workers and the military are trying to get aid to the desperate but there is too little to hand out and too many in need.

Abdul Hamid Bulloh, who is organising one of the relief camps, says a heavy security presence is essential.

"People rush over, people don't listen. There is a problem if it is at a road or a highway, there is a problem," he said.

"People don't see there is a distribution of food, they come and they drive."

But Assistant Inspector-General, Javed Odho, says he understands why.

"The loss that people have gone through in terms of the human loss as well as, especially the loss of their crops, food and their households," he said.

"I don't blame them, they just don't want to take any chances because they are not sure what they will be feeding their children the next day, tomorrow."

The UN says more than 6 million people still need basic shelter and the humanitarian situation is critical.

Flood leaves 10 dead, 12 injured in NW Pakistan

2008-08-13T10:39:00.002-05:00

Ten people were killed and 12 others were injured in flood in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province ''NWFP'', according to local TV Wednesday.

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Geo TV channel quoted Muhammad Anis, District Coordination Officer of Peshawar, capital city of NWFP as saying that the flood had damaged 8,000 houses and affected 25,000 families in Peshawar.

Anis said the total loss would amount to 4 billion rupees (around 55.3 million U.S. dollars).

Thousands left homeless by floods in Pakistan

2008-08-13T10:39:00.001-05:00

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.

Chief Minister’s Flood Relief Fund inaugurated

2008-08-13T10:38:00.001-05:00

PESHAWAR, Aug 13 (APP): The NWFP Government has opened a fund “Chief Minister’s Flood Relief Fund NWFP 2008 and both the domestic and international donors would donate in the fund.

The contributions from abroad will be received at all branches of nationalized commercial banks where such branches exist. In other foreign countries contributions will be received at Pakistan Missions and remitted to the State Bank of Pakistan.

It is worth mentioning that the recent flood and heavy rains had played havoc with most of the villages in the suburbs of Peshawar and other areas of NWFP. The floods caused huge damages to the lives and property of the people of the province.

The provincial government has appealed the donors, philanthropists and NGOs to generously deposit their donations in the said fund and wholeheartedly help the flood affectees in this hour of trial.

Pakistan: Floods Information Bulletin No. 03

2008-08-13T10:37:00.000-05:00

Glide No. FF-2008-000123-PAK

This bulletin is being issued for information only.

One week after monsoon rains throughout Pakistan created floods situation in different parts of the country, flood water in most of the affected communities has receded. The Pakistan meteorological department has predicted scattered thunderstorms and rain in upper Punjab, including Islamabad, upper North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Kashmir, and at isolated places in southern Punjab and southeast Sindh during the next 24 hours.

Relief operations and provision of basic health services by the government and national and international NGOs in the affected areas are currently underway. Top priority at present is the provision of safe drinking water and regular monitoring of water quality, as well as strengthening of Disease Early Warning System in flood affected areas in Peshawar district (NWFP) and implementation of the same in Rajanpur district (Punjab province) to prevent potential outbreak of communicable diseases. The Pakistan Red Crescent Society's (PRCS') national and provincial disaster response teams have completed their assessment and have distributed food and non-food items to affected communities. The PRCS/International Federation health teams have also provided basic health care and treatment to affected people. The PRCS' 2008 floods contingency plan, which was activated, and the formation of an Emergency Operations Committee by the national society, which met regularly following the floods, enabled the joint team of the PRCS, International Federation and partner national societies working in the country to meet the immediate needs of the affected population.

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society, with the support of the International Federation, determined that external assistance was not required, and therefore did not seek funding or other assistance from donors for its flood relief operation.

The Situation

Floods have subsided in the most affected areas of Pakistan. The Pakistan meteorological department has predicted scattered thunderstorms and rainfall in upper Punjab, including Islamabad, upper North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Kashmir, and at isolated places of southern Punjab and southeast Sindh during the next 24 hours. Several families who were rendered homeless by the floods continue to stay on roads and other safer places. Safe water supply remains a problem. Relief operations by the government and NGOs are currently underway, providing families with food and non-food relief items, clean and safe drinking water as well as basic health services.

Punjab

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS)/International Federation national disaster response team, which visited affected areas has reported that the floodwater has started receding in the three worst hit union councils in Rajanpur district (Haji Pur, Bakar Pur and Fateh Pur), as well as in the Eozman area hit by hill torrents and in 2 DG Khan district. The PRCS/International Federation team struggled though floodwater, mud and piles of debris to reach affected communities and distributed 200 packs of non-food items/family kits and 1,000 bags of flour (20 kilograms of flour per bag) to affected families in the areas visited. The non-food items consisted of tents, tarpaulin sheets, stoves, hurricane lamps and jerry cans. According to the team, some of the affected families have gone back to their damaged houses while the rest, whose houses were washed away, have opted to stay on roads or on the banks of irrigation channels.

PAKISTAN: Many cyclone victims still struggling seven months on

2008-01-29T08:56:00.000-05:00

PAKISTAN: Many cyclone victims still struggling seven months on

Source: IRIN
Reuters and AlertNet are not responsible for the content of this article or for any external internet sites. The views expressed are the author's alone.
KARACHI, 25 January 2008 (IRIN) - Many of the 350,000 people displaced by Cyclone Yemyin which struck the southern provinces of Balochistan and Sindh last summer have yet to fully recover from the storm that wreaked havoc on their lives.
Pakistan officially stated that nearly 300 people were killed in the disaster, while over 2.5 million people were affected.
The Pakistani government, assisted by international agencies, staged intensive relief operations as the full scale of the calamity became obvious, with temporary shelters set up for affected people and the worst-hit victims moved to camps.
But seven months on, the plight of cyclone victims appears to have been forgotten: Many international relief agencies have since withdrawn, while aid provided in the immediate aftermath of the disaster has for the most part dried up.
In short, people have been left in many cases to re-build their own lives, area residents now complain.
Balochistan
"No one has bothered about us. Those who could manage it have repaired their homes or put up new structures; others struggle on in temporary shelters," Naveed Baloch, 27, told IRIN from the town of Awaran, about 100km inland from the Balochistan coast.
The area was one of the most severely affected by the torrential rains that followed the cyclone. Towns and villages further upstream were hit by hill torrents triggered by heavy rains.
Such dissatisfaction was shared by Fareed Ahmed, provincial coordinator in Balochistan for the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).
"Very little help has reached the cyclone victims and about 100,000 are still without adequate housing. Those who lack resources to construct homes are literally living in shacks made of canvas and wood, which offer no protection at all," he told IRIN.
However, the district mayor of Awaran, Khair Jan Baloch, disputed this assertion: "The cyclone victims were provided help, including food and medical aid, and they have now largely recovered."
Some affected communities air their dissatisfaction with post-cyclone relief measures in other parts of the province. One example is Jhal Magsi District, about 170km southwest of Balochistan's provincial capital, Quetta, where almost the entire population of 140,000 were forced to temporarily leave their homes after the cyclone.
There was also large-scale loss of the livestock on which many area residents depend.
"We were shifted to camps, where disease spread, and since then, though some medical and financial aid was provided, we have been forgotten," Alidar Magsi, 50, said.
"Adding to the public's discontent was the wide scale contamination of many of Balochistan's few safe water sources as a result of the flooding."Adding to the public's discontent is contamination of the few safe water sources in Balochistan as a result of the flooding, coupled with the lack of sanitation or sewage facilities; an obvious factor in increasing the many health hazards in a region where only a minority of Balochistan's 10 million inhabitants have access to health care.
Longstanding grievances
Compounding these grievances further is the longstanding perception in Balochistan of neglect by the Islamabad government.
The province is the least developed of Pakistan's four federal units, has been affected by periodic nationalist uprisings, and harbours a brooding resentment against what is viewed as deliberate discrimination.
According to education experts, Balochistan's current literacy rate stands at just 34 percent, compared to Pakistan's national average of 52 percent.
"These feelings exist across Balochistan, and whether or not the complaints are genuine, the fact is that attitudes are shaped by them," Iqbal Haider, an experienced politician and secretary-general of the HRCP, said.
Sindh Province
For the time being, recovery, on the whole, seems to have been somewhat better in the province of Sindh, lying east of Balochistan.
Though acres of agricultural land in areas bordering Balochistan came under flood waters, farmers like Akhtar Chandio, from a village in Dadu District, said: "We have now been able to reach a situation of some normalcy."
But as almost inevitably happens when natural disaster strikes, it is the already unprotected and weak that suffer most.
According to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), an estimated 17,000 women were left vulnerable to neglect, abuse and violence, in the wake of the cyclone.
Many lost their belongings, and the fact that women in rural Pakistan frequently lack national ID cards meant they were unable to apply for compensation.
"Child-and-women-friendly spaces" have been set up in 54 locations in Balochistan and Sindh for such victims by non-governmental organisations working with UNICEF, and run by volunteers to offer support, recreational activity and training in crafts or other skills.
"We try to encourage local communities to see these places as belonging to them," Kamleshwar Lohana of the Indus Resource Centre, one of the groups working with UNICEF, said.
Meanwhile, the sea along Pakistan's coast is now calm. Fishing boats have returned in strength and there is little evidence of the 130 kmph winds that lashed the area seven months ago.
For those directly affected by the cyclone - one of the worst in years - the memories linger on, as do the adverse effects the storm left behind on their lives and welfare.

Flood victims in South Asia face economic devastation and threat of waterborne diseases

2007-08-28T08:11:00.000-05:00

Weeks of continuous monsoon rains and severe flooding have wreaked havoc across South Asia, including Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and Pakistan. According to the UN OCHA Regional Office for Asia Pacific, over 40 million people have been affected. Flood waters have submerged entire villages, devastated over a million acres of agricultural crops, and left people stranded on river embankments and rooftops. There is a severe shortage of food, drinking water, and shelter, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases pose a significant public health threat. Concern Worldwide provided immediate disaster relief in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, and is currently scaling up its response in all three countries. Concern has launched an emergency appeal to meet the urgent and ongoing survival needs of flood victims in the affected areas.
COUNTRIES AFFECTED
According to an August 15th update from the UN OCHA Regional Office for Asia Pacific, Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan are the countries most severely affected by the flooding. Although water levels are receding, monsoon season is not over, and the standing water in and around villages are breeding grounds for waterborne diseases and pose serious public health threats. Recent heavy rains in China, North Korea, and southern provinces of Pakistan have resulted in massive damage to crops, homes, and livelihoods. (See UN OCHA map for more details on areas affected by floods.)
In a statement regarding the scale of the damage, Mr. John Holmes, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, said, "For most families affected by these floods, the recovery of their livelihoods will be arduous and protracted. Six weeks with nothing but uncertainty can feel like forever."
CURRENT STATUS
In Bangladesh, the floods have caused enormous economic and physical damage. Over 9.5 million people have been severely affected, losing their homes and their primary means of generating income. To date, 481 people have died, and the government has reported over 58,440 people admitted to hospitals with diarrhoea. The International Center for Diarrhoeaal Disease Research (ICDDRB) reports that the rate of admission of diarrhoea patients at the center is between 900 and 1000 every 24 hours. Approximately 1.5 million acres of crops have been damaged, destroying the primary source of income for millions of people. Over 89,000 homes have been totally destroyed, and 650,000 have been partially destroyed.
In all 38 flood-affected districts of Bangladesh, there are severe outbreaks of waterborne disease, including serious diarrhoeaal diseases. Flood waters continue to inundate much of the eastern part of Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, and many people have taken shelter in government offices and schools.
In India, continuous heavy rains have affected more than 11 million people. Flood waters have submerged or marooned several hundred villages, displacing several hundred people. More than 60,000 houses have collapsed, and many houses have been submerged under eight to ten feet of water. In villages cut off by the flooding, there is a shortage of food and drinking water, and the rains have left agricultural laborers without work for weeks. Farmers face extensive damage to and loss of crops.
Cyclone Yemyin hit Balochistan Province in Pakistan on Tuesday, June 26, 2007, bringing heavy rain, flooding and winds of up to 80 miles per hour. An estimated 2.5 million people have been affected by the floods in late June and early July, and 202 lives have been lost. An estimated 360,000 people have been left homeless.
A total of 15 out of 29 districts across the province have been affected from coastal areas to more inland districts of Balochistan. Bridges and communications infrastructures have been badly damaged and many areas remain inaccessible by road.
In North Korea, heavy rain has resulted in rivers bursting their banks, flooding huge areas of farmland and destroying thousands of homes. Access is still impossible to many of the affected, but current reports suggest that hundreds of people have been killed or are missing and that more than 30,000 houses have been destroyed. In addition, at least 800 public buildings, more than 540 bridges and extended sections of railway are reported to have been destroyed by the rain. The impact on agricultural production is likely to be considerable. Even in a good year, North Korean needs food assistance, and any additional loss of production could have serious medium-term consequences.
"The current torrential rains are causing heavier damage to farm crops than the previous ones in our country," said Ri Jae-hyon, Department Director of the DPRK Ministry of Agriculture, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
CONCERN WORLDWIDE'S RESPONSE
Bangladesh
Concern has completed its relief response for 11,000 families in Sirajganj, Mainkganj and Faridpur districts. Concern was the first INGO to respond in Faridpur, the Law advisor Barrisster Mainul Hosein commended Concern's and its partner agencies quick response to help the affected people.
A 15 day food ration will be distributed to 4,000 families within this week, consisting of rice 30 kg, Pulse 3kg, Oil 2 liter, Salt 1 kg, oral rehydration salts 5 packets, Soya protein biscuits 10 packets.
High-energy biscuits are being distributed to 13,916 families in four districts (Faridpur, Rajbari, Shariatpur and Magura). Each family will receive 3kg biscuits as a supplementary food for four days.
Concern and its partner agencies are monitoring the ongoing effect of the floods and are investigating the need to establish a second phase response with the delivery of a further food ration.
India
Concern's team is assessing the impact of the floods in four districts, and plans to provide life-saving services to 10,000 families in Bihar, including emergency relief items such as water purification tablets, buckets and soap as well as food rations and sheeting for temporary shelter. Concern will also provide tarpaulin sheets to 6,500 families and cooking utensil sets to 4,000 households whose houses have been washed away. In Orissa, Concern plans to provide livelihood restoration support to about 2,500 households.
Pakistan
Concern responded quickly to the emergency created by the cyclone and floods in three flood affected districts of Balochistan. Assisting 3,400 flood affected families, Concern provided emergency relief food packages containing wheat flour, dates, rice, pulses, oil and high-energy biscuits - enough to feed a family for two weeks. Essential non-food items such as shelter, mosquito nets, hygiene kits, jerry cans and water purification tablets were also provided to each of the families.
Concern has been one of the leading agencies in this humanitarian response. It was involved in the initial assessment of the affected area with other members of the Pakistan Humanitarian Forum. Concern's Emergency Program Officer was nominated to join the World Bank/Asian Development Bank team in their detailed assessment of the needs of the affected communities. We will continue to monitor the situation in the coming weeks.
North Korea
Access to many of the flood-affected areas is still impossible, and the full extent of damage is still unknown, but the Concern program team has managed to reach one of its established program areas and is hoping to provide construction materials for families displaced by floods and to support the reconstruction of a clinic in Unhung Ri. The program team will complete an assessment of other program areas as soon as it is possible to access them.
With the exception of public UN sources, reproduction or redistribution of the above text, in whole, part or in any form, requires the prior consent of the original source.

Pakistan: Livelihoods at stake as flood-affected areas struggle to recover

2007-08-28T08:04:00.000-05:00

Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN)

KOT PALYANI, 27 August 2007 (IRIN) - Nizamuddin Lehri, deputy mayor of Nasirabad in Balochistan Province, southwestern Pakistan, gestured to his right where a water-ravaged landscape stretched into the distance in place of what was once a flourishing rice field.
"When the floods hit this area, over 40,000 acres of paddy were destroyed in just one union council," Lehri said. The loss of so much agricultural produce was going to hit the area hard because the yield per acre had ranged from Rs 20,000 to 21,000 [US$331-348], he said.
Almost two months after heavy monsoon rains and a cyclone, life has not returned to normal in the country's south and southwest.

According to the UN and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), more than 400 people died, some 2.5 million were affected and close to 380,000 people were displaced by the floods in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan.

Problems abound for local people, with the water still not receding from hundreds of square miles and more rain making its way across the region.

Crop damage

"This whole area has an agrarian economy with rice and wheat as the main crops. But all our fields have been destroyed and our livelihoods are in ruins," Akbar Buksh, a local farmer in the sub-district of K.N. Shah, told IRIN. K.N. Shah lies within the district of Dadu, about 350km southwest of Karachi. Two months after the deluge, the water is still running six to seven feet deep across vast tracts of farmland.

In Sindh floodwater damaged about 71,806 acres out of a total of 140,000 acres sown for this year's harvest, according to a report published in the Business Recorder, a leading national broadsheet, in early August. The report said rice was hardest hit - with an estimated 3.05 million metric tonnes of produce damaged. Overall, the report concluded, about 4.41 million metric tonnes of this year's rice, cotton and sugarcane crop worth about Rs 62.8 million (US$ 1,040,899) were destroyed.

Buksh looked unhappily at dark rain clouds forming in the distance, their reflection bouncing off what used to be fields of sugarcane but was now shimmering water flecked with trees, and boats that locals were using to commute between villages or to towns that had escaped damage due their elevation.

"We've had more rain now than I can remember ever before - and it still keeps on coming," he muttered, as the rumbling of thunder grew louder.

Cut off
"Close to 200 villages are completely cut off from the rest of the world somewhere over there. We don't know if they've managed to get any help or how many are sick or dying. If the rain comes again, they're done for," the farmer said.
Experts estimate that it might take the region a few months to recover once the monsoons are over. Locals in both affected provinces, however, insist the damage is far more serious than the authorities say, and claim it might take several years to recover.
"I have to go and sell my motorbike to get enough money to be able to survive with my family for the next couple of months," a harried looking man, who introduced himself as Khalid, told IRIN.

"Our lives have been ruined and no one seems to care," he continued, clasping a weak-looking child closer to him.

Behind him, a boat had drawn up to a makeshift jetty fashioned out of a road that had a 30ft gash in it caused by rushing water. Across the teeming water, some people had halted at the edge of the road and were preparing to swim across.

"This section of the road was washed away when the floods first came," Buksh said. "No one from the government or any NGO has tried to come and see what lies beyond. People are suffering there."

MAP International assists in aid to flood affected Pakistan

2007-08-11T08:31:00.000-05:00

Pakistan has not yet recovered from the disastrous earthquake that struck Northern Areas of Pakistan on October 08, 2005 and now, another devastating disaster has hit the country.
On 23 and 24 June, 2007 coastal areas of Pkautan were hit by tropical cyclone Yemyin, packing winds of up to 80 miles per hour (130 kph) rode over the Arabian Sea to the South of Karachi and hit the coast of the south west province of Balochistan, dumping torrential rain over Balochistan and Sindh Provinces. The torrential rains and flash floods have played havoc in these areas and the numbers of causalities is rising in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP).
The weather phenomenon has caused major loss of life, livelihood and property. So far, estimates of more than 1.5 million people across the three provinces Balochistan, Sindh and NWFP are homeless and have been badly affected. Most parts of these areas are still inaccessible and road communications are totally destroyed that has disrupted large scale rescue and relief work, which is being undertaken.
According to media reports, continuous rain, flooding and damage caused by cyclone Yemyin, in the southern Pakistan province of Balochistan, has now affected 1.5 million people, 250,000 are homeless and has claimed more than 100 lives (un-official according to media). Meanwhile, many people are still stranded in flood waters and waiting for rescue.
The current situation of the flood affected area is very miserable. People have lost their homes and livelihood. They have nothing left. Everywhere, people are looking for relief assistance to save lives. This assistance would help families to pass critical time in a good way and improve the living conditions.
In conjunction with other Global Relief Alliance members, Food for the Hungry, Medical Teams International, Christian Reformed World Relief, World Relief and World Concern, MAP International will directly fund 250 hygiene kits for the Pakistan emergency.
Items that are typically found in the hygiene kits that MAP will fund:
Soap, Towel, Combs, Tooth Brushes, Tooth Paste and Cotton Rolls amongst other items.
In order to fund this project and offset the risk of a potential malaria outbreak, $10,000 is urgently needed! Help us in the efforts to bring relief to those in Pakistan, an area that has not yet recovered from a crippling earthquake that occurred nearly two years ago.

Flood relief efforts in South Asia unprecedented test for aid agencies UN

2007-08-07T09:07:00.000-05:00

Source: APP

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 7 (APP) The U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that the sheer size and scale of the floods in South Asia, as well as the massive numbers of affected people, poses an “unprecedented challenge” for governments and aid agencies in their relief efforts.
The UN estimates that some 20 million people are believed to be affected in India, Nepal and Bangladesh in what is being described as the “worst flooding in living memory.”
According to UNICEF, hundreds of thousands have lost their homes, possessions, livestock and fields and will have to begin their lives from scratch when flood waters recede.
Among the most urgent needs are shelter and access to fresh water, food, emergency medical supplies and basic household items.
Last Friday, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said it is sending up to three months worth of emergency rations to some 60,000 flood victims in Nepal.
However, given the number of families affected and the remoteness of the impacted areas, the agency estimates that it will need some $1.5 million to meet the basic food requirements of the flood victims in the Himalayan country.
Severe weather during this year’s monsoon season has wreaked havoc across South Asia in recent weeks. In addition to those suffering in India, Nepal and Bangladesh, some two million people were affected by devastating flooding in Pakistan when Cyclone Yemyin struck the country in late June.

Pakistan Needs Funds Now To Restore Children's Education In Flooded Southwest

2007-08-06T09:01:00.000-05:00

Main Category: Aid / Disasters News
Article Date: 05 Aug 2007 - 2:00 PDT

UNICEF is concerned that primary school education could become a casualty of the floods that have affected southwest Pakistan in the wake of cyclone Yemyin in late June. The torrential rains have paid a heavy toll on educational facilities. Over 1,400 schools have been affected by the floods in Balochistan and Sindh, the two provinces hit by the disaster, and more than 200 schools have been washed away. Potentially, 67,300 primary school-going children will miss out on quality education when schools re-open in mid-August. In addition, about 139 school buildings in Balochistan and Sindh are being used as shelter for families that have lost their homes during the floods, potentially affecting about 7,000 students. Some villages are still under water. "This is a pressing issue as the school year approaches and these schools are scheduled to re-open in mid-August," says Martin Mogwanja, UNICEF Pakistan Representative. School enrolment rates in Balochistan and rural Sindh are the lowest in the country, particularly for girls - only one out of five girls goes to primary school in Balochistan. "We risk losing the already very few children that were enrolled in primary schools if we do not act now," said Mogwanja. On 18 July, the United Nations launched a Flash Appeal worth $38 million dollars to provide assistance to more than 370,000 people displaced by the floods and to restore vital services to up to 2.5 million people affected by the disaster. As part of this coordinated response, UNICEF appealed for $6.3 million. While water and sanitation interventions have been fully funded, restoring quality education for 20,000 children needs $872,000 and has only received $60,000 to date. UNICEF is working with local education authorities to support the reopening of the schools on time for the start of the new school year. The agency has already distributed 80 school-in-the box kits for three months in Balochistan since school equipment has been washed away by the floods. Each kit comprises of learning and teaching material for 80 students and one teacher. In the coming weeks, UNICEF is planning to provide additional essential school supplies to ensure that all school children affected by the floods continue their education. Depending on availability of funds, UNICEF and its partners are planning to provide 200 temporary shelters to 148 significantly damaged schools to ensure that 7,400 primary school children have access to a protective learning environment. The agency will also support the rehabilitation of 250 partially damaged schools. "UNICEF needs the generosity and commitment of donors and partners to fulfil its responsibility towards the children affected by the floods," said Mogwanja. UNICEF's major donors for water and sanitation activities in flood-affected areas in Pakistan are the Australian Government through the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAid) and the Belgian Government. About UNICEF UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

http://www.unicef.org

Pakistan: Floods/Cyclone OCHA Situation Report No. 20

2007-08-04T10:13:00.000-05:00

Source: Reliefweb

This situation report is based on information received from the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Pakistan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Pakistan Meteorological Department, Clusters, and media sources.

HIGHLIGHTS
The NDMA reports five more deaths in Balochistan on 31 July. The total death toll is now 329 (202 in Balochistan and 127 in Sindh) with 224 people missing.

The NDMA reports that the population in relief camps has reduced from 35,340 on 30 July to 31,285 to date (27,200 in Balochistan and 4,083 in Sindh).

The NDMA noted that there is a need for a quick disbursement of government compensation grant in the affected areas of Sindh and Balochistan.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department reports that torrential rains are expected in western Sindh and eastern Balochistan over the next week, which could lead to flooding in vulnerable areas.

OVERVIEW

Sindh and Balochistan
1. The NDMA reports that the population in relief camps has reduced from 35,340 on 30 July to 31,285 to date (27,200 in Balochistan and 4,083 in Sindh).

2. Total relief camps are now 115 (89 in Balochistan and 7 in Sindh).

3. The majority of the 25,000 people that crossed from Jhal Magsi district in Balochistan to Shahdadkot town in Sindh last week still lack food and shelter.

4. An assessment from Church World Service indicates that 100,000 people affected in Thatta district of Sindh are facing a shortage of food and medicines. Farmers are in need of seeds for the next crop. The return process of the displaced is slow due to lack of sustainable rehabilitation options.

NATIONAL RESPONSE
5. The PDMA (Provincial Disaster Management Authority) in Balochistan reports that 13,500 out of 36,724 households in 17 districts received cash grants of Rs 15,000 (approximately US$ 250). However, compensation distribution did not start in 4 districts: Bolan, Loralai, Washuk and Jhal Magsi. Some Rs 214 million (approximately US$3.5m) out of the allocated Rs 300 million (US$5m) has been paid so far.

6. The NDMA noted that there is a need of quick disbursement of Rs 15,000 in the remaining affected areas. In Sindh, a survey is currently being conducted by the district authorities on the number of affected households.

COORDINATION/ASSISTANCE (International & National)
7. A UN Area Coordinator’s Office was established in Sindh on 31 July. The office will be responsible for coordination structure for national and international NGOs under the cluster approach, engaging with government officials. The first coordinated Health Cluster meeting was held on 31 July, while a General Coordination meeting took place on 1 August in Karachi.

Cluster Activities
Shelter Cluster
8. As of 30 July, some 74,600 tents have been delivered in Sindh and Balochistan: 54,960 by the Government/NDMA, 10,523 by UN agencies and NGOs and 9,160 by PRCS/IFRC. Of approximately 58,322 additional emergency shelter kits confirmed for distribution, 22,450 are emergency transitional shelter kits that are also re-usable for reconstruction.

9. Roofing needs for 90,000 families rendered homeless by the floods have been met or about to be met. First hand evidence from national and international NGOs and IOM Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) indicate that actual coverage is 20% and rising to a maximum of 40% in accessible and worst affected districts.

10. IFRC will visit Sindh on 6 August to establish linkages with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the new UN Coordination Office and NGOs.

Health Cluster
11. Out of the 124,000 children targeted for measles vaccination, more than 73,000 have been vaccinated by UNICEF, partner organizations and the Provincial Health Department in the affected districts of Sindh and Balochistan.

12. Three children died from Gastroenteritis in Qambar district, Balochistan, on 1 August and from Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD) in Turbat on 30 July. However, WHO reports that the percentage of AWD cases has decreased in Turbat District from 25% on 23 July to 15% on 31 July. WHO has provided two cholera kits to the district health official in this district. WHO and the Health Department of Balochistan conducted training on Disease Early Warning System (DEWS) on 1 August in Turbat for 38 doctors.

13. The Provincial Health Department of Balochistan reports that 25 medical camps and 28 outreach medical teams are working in flood affected districts of Balochistan. Some 153 doctors, including 13 females, are working in the teams. Essential drugs worth US$46,000 were provided to 7 districts including Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Jhal Magsi, Kech, Kharan, Khuzdar and Awaran.

14. Of the 215 primary health facilities in Balochistan, 168 have been partially damaged and 47 badly damaged. Water and Sanitation Cluster

15. The estimated population in need of water trucking is 240,000 (180,000 in Balochistan and 60,000 in Sindh). The cluster is currently providing safe drinking water to 177,500 people through water trucking. Water is reaching 127,500 people in Balochistan province (Gwadar, Kech, Kharan, Naseerabad and Jhal Magsi districts) and a further 50,000 in Sindh province (Dadu and Kambar districts).

16. The total distribution of WASH-related nonfood items to date has included aqua tablets (1,200,000), purification sachets (1,235,000), nerox filters (9,700), jerry cans/buckets (32,525), water tanks/bladders (130), latrines (3,430), soap (97,000 bars) and water purification materials.

17. Approximately 300,000 of the total 726,000 population have benefited from the restoration of water supply schemes. Protection Cluster

18. Issues requiring advocacy have been raised with the NDMA. Those include safety for women accessing latrines, information on compensation grants among female headed households, and women unwilling to access distribution points due to cultural norms.

Food Security
19. The district department of agriculture and livestock reports that floodwaters destroyed 4.4 million tons of cotton, rice and sugarcane crops in Dadu district. Of the total 0.1 million acres of sown area, 71,806 acres of land has been inundated.

Nutrition Cluster
20. In Quetta, a three-day training programme on supplementary feeding and community based therapeutic care (CTC) was completed, including 21 participants from different partner agencies, Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP) and government officials from the Department of Health.

21. All supplies for the therapeutic feeding centers (TFCs) have been delivered to 5 districts of Balochistan (Nasirabad, Jafferabad, Sibi, Kech and Khuzdar) this week. In Sibi and Nassirabad, TFCs started working on 3 August. TFCs in remaining 3 districts are expected to start from 6 August.

22. As of 2 August, UNICEF has distributed 135MT of Unimix in 14 districts in Balochistan to children under five years and lactating/pregnant women. Supply of Unimix will continue in eight prioritized flood-affected districts for the next three months targeting some 40,000 children.

Information Management
Cluster-specific documents, situation reports, maps including Who What Where (3W), assessments and technical guidelines relating to this emergency can be found at www.pfic.webexone.com. This situation report together with further information on ongoing emergencies is also available on the OSOCC Internet Website. http://www.unocha.org/vosocc and on the OCHA Internet Website http://www.reliefweb.int/.

Teams from around the globe respond to Pakistan flood crisis

2007-08-03T08:59:00.000-05:00

ReliefWeb (press release),

Specialist Red Cross Red Crescent Emergency Response Units (ERUs) from around the world are providing vital relief to thousands of people in Pakistan still suffering the after-effects of devastating July floods.
The floods affected 2.5 million people across Sindh and Baluchistan, claming more than 300 lives and damaging or destroying 80,000 homes.
Red Cross Red Crescent teams from Britain, Finland, Spain, Austria and Sweden have been deployed to support the work of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society in assisting affected people in Larkana district in Sindh. The teams cover health care, water and sanitation, and logistics.
The ERUs consist of highly trained staff ready to be deployed within 48 hours and operational within a week. Five units have been deployed to Pakistan – a Finnish Red Cross health team, three water and sanitation teams from Spain, the UK and Austria, and a Swiss/Danish logistics team.
Along with Pakistan Red Crescent staff and volunteers, the teams are battling temperatures approaching 50 degrees Celsius and seas of mud, while trying to assist communities scattered over wide areas.
The Spanish specialised water team found communities in Kachipol and Qubo Saeed Khan in dire straits through lack of clean water. They've responded by producing up to 30,000 litres of clean water a day, supplying roughly 2,000 people since 27 July.
Team Leader, Paco Maldonado, says the situation was quite desperate.
"People were only receiving 15 litres per family, per day, which is not enough, especially given that there are seven people per family in Pakistan," he says "The minimum requirement is generally 15 litres per person per day."
A second unit will be up and running shortly while water will also be trucked to more distant communities with the help of UNICEF and local non-governmental organizations.
A direct result of flood damage and shortage of safe water is the immediate risk of disease, which is compounded by a lack of proper toilet and washing facilities. The British Red Cross mass sanitation unit has been working in Warah since July 27 to help tackle these problems, as team leader Vendela Fortune explains.
"Our focus is to minimize public health risks caused by water and excreta related diseases. We do this by providing facilities for going to the toilet, managing waste and drainage, and then enabling people to make the best use of those facilities for their hygiene, dignity and overall well-being."
The British team has begun constructing toilets and will be distributing hygiene kits containing necessities such as soap and toothpaste. The team is also working with local people to promote better hygiene practices.
These activities might sound basic, but they can be a matter of life and death. Red Cross Red Crescent assessment teams found cases of acute diarrhea and diarrhoeal diseases which ultimately can kill.
When disaster strikes, women and children often bear the brunt. The floods in Pakistan have been no different, with mothers and children topping the list of the most vulnerable, particularly in relation to health needs. The Finnish Red Cross basic health care unit has been operational since July 29 and the 12-strong team of doctors, nurses and technicians is focusing on maternal and child health.
"Our team has been put together with this in mind. We have five female nurses and a local doctor, who is a gynaecologist, so women can feel comfortable speaking about their health care needs with a lady doctor," explains a Finnish team member, Andreas von Weissenberg.Working with local staff, they will operate two mobile health teams and a stationary clinic. The unit is also working with the Pakistan Red Crescent and local health authorities.
Von Weissenberg admits the health challenges are significant and the potential caseload enormous.
"We are operating mostly in schools, where displaced peopled have sought shelter. The numbers living in the schools vary from hundreds to thousands," she said.
The emergency response unit concept involves not only helping affected people but also strengthening the National Society they work with. At the height of the response to the 2005 Pakistan earthquake, a total of six emergency response units were deployed. Their presence helped develop capacity in areas such as water and sanitation, health and logistics.
Maritta Vuori, a nurse with the Finnish health unit says the goal for this operation is the same. "We are rapidly deployed, but we have a longer term approach. That's why we work with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society so when we leave, they can continue the work with the skills and the equipment gained through the operation."
While the Pakistan Red Crescent is the backbone of the Red Cross Red Crescent flood response, the fast deployment of the specialized emergency response units is providing vital backup. Together, they will continue to try to meet the ongoing needs, which will remain long after the flood waters recede.

NZ to assist after floods in Pakistan

2007-08-01T09:31:00.000-05:00

Source: reliefweb.int

New Zealand will provide $500,000 in humanitarian assistance to Pakistan following serious flooding there, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said today.
"While the focus of New Zealand's aid is the Pacific, we are equally committed to helping the people of Asia in times of need," said Mr Peters, who is in Manila for the ASEAN Regional Forum.
"The combined effects of the monsoon season beginning on June 23 and Cyclone Yemyin on June 26 have claimed hundreds of lives across Pakistan.
"Up to two million people have been affected, with at least 100,000 homeless. Most of those worst hit by the flood are poor and disadvantaged, including many Afghani refugees.
"These people do not have much to begin with, and are very vulnerable to illness and disease. It's important New Zealand does what it can to help them recover from this disaster."
Mr Peters said New Zealand's contribution, through the government's international aid and development agency NZAID, would go to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to help fund emergency shelter and supplies.

Cricketers to raise funds for flood victims

2007-07-28T07:46:00.000-05:00

Cricinfo staff
July 28, 2007
Pakistan's top cricketers have pledged to raise funds for victims of the recent cyclone and subsequent floods that devastated the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan.
Salman Butt, Pakistan's vice-captain, said some cricketers had visited the flood-affected areas and were deeply moved by the plight of those living in the region.
"We have decided to help raise funds for the Islamic Relief Pakistan (IRP) which is providing assistance to the victims in both provinces," Butt said.
Nearly 300 people died during the floods - many more are missing - and close to two million people are said to be affected. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes.
Current cricketers, including Shahid Afridi, Imran Nazir and Misbah-ul-Haq will also work for the cause. Afridi, who toured the devastated areas said, "We were moved by the scenes that we witnessed. I believe it's our responsibility to come to the rescue of those people who have lost their dear ones, homes and livelihood."
A group of former cricketers, including Rashid Latif, Moin Khan and Jalaluddin, are also actively involved with the organisation's fund-raising activities. Islamic Relief is an NGO which conducts relief operations all over the world. It was established in 1984 in USA and in 1992 established its subsidiary in Pakistan. It plans to hold a series of fund-raising auctions in the US and UK in the near future.

PAKISTAN: Aid agencies to assess flood-hit areas on 24 July

2007-07-25T08:33:00.000-05:00

ISLAMABAD, 23 July 2007 (IRIN) - A joint team from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank, with support from the UN and wider humanitarian community, is to begin a needs assessment in Pakistan’s flood-hit provinces of Balochistan and Sindh on 24 July.

The area was devastated in late June by cyclone Yemyin, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless and almost 300 dead.

Hundreds of thousands of people were left homeless or displaced by cylone Yemyin in late June

“We are looking at long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation needs,” Peter Fedon, ADB mission country director, told IRIN in the capital, Islamabad, on 23 July.

“The devastation caused by the floods and cyclone Yemyin illuminate the fact that disaster preparedness has become a very important issue for Pakistan,” he said, adding that they were committed to working closely with the government to strengthen disaster preparedness. “We realise that reconstruction should take into account the possibility of similar natural disasters in future,” he said.

As part of the effort, 14 sectors would be examined, including the economy, governance, infrastructure, housing, livelihoods, water and sanitation, transport and telecommunications, energy, agriculture and irrigation, health, education, and social protection; as well as the environment. “This information will prove very useful in better assisting those affected by this disaster,” a World Bank official in Islamabad said. “This is an opportunity to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the reconstruction needs on the ground,” Ted Pearn, team leader of the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team (UNDAC), referring to the assessment’s launch, said in Islamabad.“The government has a fair handle on the situation now,” Pearn said, adding, however, that the priorities were still shelter, health, as well as water and sanitation.

Although initial assessments of the flood-hit areas were carried out jointly by the government and humanitarian community during the second week of July, the UNDAC official conceded that a more detailed assessment was needed.

Flash appeal
The government-commissioned assessment comes on the heels of a US$38 million flash appeal launched by the UN on 18 July, aimed at supporting the Pakistani government’s efforts to address the key humanitarian needs of the affected population, with the priority on shelter, water and sanitation, health and early recovery activities.

Launched in Geneva, the appeal - the result of collaboration between the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the UN - covers humanitarian needs in the affected areas and proposes 83 projects in 12 clusters.

An estimated 2.5 million people were affected by flooding following four days of heavy rains after the cyclone struck southern Pakistan on 23 June, leaving 280 people dead, 186 missing and some 377,000 displaced or homeless – many of whom are currently living in schools, improvised roadside shelters, or with family and friends.

Oxfam and local partners helping 35,000 Pakistani flood victims

2007-07-24T07:53:00.000-05:00

Oxfam and local counterparts are providing 35,000 people who are affected by the floods in the south of Pakistan with drinking water, emergency shelter and items to improve hygiene and reduce public health risks.

Teams of public health officers, water and sanitation specialists and humanitarian programme officers recently visited settlements in the affected provinces of Balochistan and Sindh. People told them how the floods swept away all their belongings. In some areas the flood water level rose to eight metres and stayed for some days. Cattle drowned and crops were devastated. The floods took with them the thin layer of fertile soil, leaving behind rocky fields where virtually nothing will grow over the next few years.

377,400 reported displaced

Cyclone Yemyin struck the coastal areas of Balochistan province on the 26th of June, bringing rain, flash flooding and winds up to 80 mph. This was followed by torrential rain in Balochistan and isolated light rain in Sindh, causing flash floods and breaches in river embankments and canal walls.
Official sources have reported 280 deaths to date, and 170 missing. Some 377,400 people were left displaced while the total number of people affected by the cyclone is 2 million.

Surviving in 50°C, no water to drink

Even before disaster struck, Balochistan was already Pakistan's least developed province. Many people lack essential services and live in dire conditions in a mostly arid region. With temperatures reaching 50°C, ground water levels decrease rapidly and wells dry out before the rainy season arrives, making availability of drinking water an acute problem. Only the more affluent families can afford to drill water wells deep enough to have a stable supply of safe drinking water.

With the flood water staying several days, virtually all water sources have been contaminated and are no longer suitable for human consumption. Still this doesn't stop people from drinking water out of puddles, irrigation pipes and the freshly filled wells – the same sources they use for washing and bathing. People use 'the bush' as their toilet. Only, with no vegetation left, one can hardly speak of a bush. These open toilets only worsen public hygiene. People, especially children who play near the puddles, suffer from painful lesions, boils and eye infections. Moreover, with no privacy women compromise their health by enforcing personal restrictions on not using the 'bush'.

Oxfam providing shade, water and soap

Oxfam and local partners provide people with water purifiers and are cleaning wells and installing water storage tanks. They construct bathing facilities with separate sections for women and advocate the use of soap and good personal hygiene via public health promoters, local radio and special activities aimed at children and women. Mobile and naval medical facilities are in place to treat people close to their new temporary settlements.

The emergency shelter kits Oxfam and counterparts distribute protect people and the surviving cattle from the blazing heat. Families received essential cooking utensils to replace those that were lost in the floods. Current assessments demonstrate the need to provide assistance to families in the medium term to start rebuilding their livelihoods through provision of seeds, agricultural tools, fishing boats and nets, restocking and cash to restore petty trade.

Red Crescent offers hope and healing to Pakistan flood victims

2007-07-23T08:47:00.001-05:00

By Mubashir Fida, International Federation Information Officer in Turbat, Baluchistan
A month has gone by since cyclone Yemyin struck southwest Pakistan, leaving a trail of misery and destruction in its wake. The storm was followed by heavy rains and floods, which have affected more than 2.5 million people and continue to threaten new villages. Amid the intense heat and humidity, the threat of disease is growing and many people are struggling to survive.
"The situation out there is worsening, as people are in living poor hygienic conditions and are falling sick," says Dr. Zulekha, who is working with one of the Pakistan Red Crescent's mobile health teams in Baluchistan.

"A lot of people with skin infections visit us daily, and it's because of the dirty water they are using," she adds. Dehydration, sun stroke and snake bites are also being reported.
Walking along the streets of Koshkalat, it's easy to spot mosquitoes hovering over ponds of stagnant water. As the standing flood waters linger, the risk of a malaria outbreak grows each day.

In response to these threats, staff and volunteers from the Pakistan Red Crescent and the International Federation are working around the clock to provide urgently-needed help.

Dire straits
In the village of Nokalat, 32-year-old Salma Aslam, lives with her family of eight. Her husband works as a wage laborer and earns a meager 150 rupees ($2.50 USD) per day, depending on the circumstances.

Salma says the floods are forcing her family into dire straits. "The weather is hot and it's hard to live in a tent… I hope that my family can bear it."

Like hundreds of thousands of other people, Salma watched as everything she owned was washed away by the merciless floods.

Remembering her home she says, "It took me and my husband eight years to build our two room house. It was small, but I had decorated it and had many memories there. We were living happily in it and now it is no more."

Women living in rural areas of Pakistan are hit particularly hard when disasters strike because of the cultural conservatism here.

Being able to bathe, go to the toilet or get medical help become major challenges for women and girls because of local rules and customs, which limit contact between the sexes. Often, it's the women and children who also wind up walking long distances to fetch water when wells and pumps are contaminated or destroyed.

"We had private latrines and bathing facilities in my home, but now everything is gone. I have to wait for hours to go to the toilet in the open because I fear that a man might see me," explains Salma.

This type of situation can also lead to a higher incidence of disease and illness.

Lessons learned
The International Federation and the Pakistan Red Crescent have a significant amount of experience in providing gender-specific relief and care in rural areas of the country. Many similar hygiene, health, water and sanitation issues arose in the aftermath of the October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province.

Lessons learned while responding to that terrible tragedy have enabled the Red Cross Red Crescent to factor these challenges into their floods relief operation, ensuring, for example, that female health professionals are available to see the women and girls.

As a result, Salma was able to take her seven-year-old daughter to a health team run by the Pakistan Red Crescent and the International Federation, where she received treatment for a respiratory tract infection and skin allergies, caused by living near stagnant water.

So far, the Pakistan Red Crescent has provided medical assistance to more than 10,500 men, women and children in both Baluchistan and Sindh. Over the next six months, almost 15 times that number are expected to receive health care as part of the Red Cross and Red Crescent's relief and recovery operation.

Meanwhile, five Emergency Response Units, specialized in logistics, health, water and sanitation are being set up in the affected areas of Baluchistan and Sindh. The Pakistan Red Crescent and the International Federation are also providing separate communal latrines for men and women, as well as kits with hygiene items, such as soap, for around 5,000 families.

The health and water and sanitation teams plan to fix wells in six villages of the Koshkalat and Gokdan areas in order to restore clean drinking water, while the cleaning of wells has already started in the villages of Aliabad and Zargept.

Abdus Salam, a 26-year-old resident of Aliabad village in Koshkalat says he can't wait for the water supply scheme in his village to be up and running again.

"It has been terrible living without water for weeks," he says. "But the Red Crescent is here and they are rehabilitating a well to provide us with clean drinking water, so now we have hope."

Red Crescent offers hope and healing to Pakistan flood victims

2007-07-23T08:47:00.000-05:00

By Mubashir Fida, International Federation Information Officer in Turbat, Baluchistan
A month has gone by since cyclone Yemyin struck southwest Pakistan, leaving a trail of misery and destruction in its wake. The storm was followed by heavy rains and floods, which have affected more than 2.5 million people and continue to threaten new villages. Amid the intense heat and humidity, the threat of disease is growing and many people are struggling to survive.
"The situation out there is worsening, as people are in living poor hygienic conditions and are falling sick," says Dr. Zulekha, who is working with one of the Pakistan Red Crescent's mobile health teams in Baluchistan.

"A lot of people with skin infections visit us daily, and it's because of the dirty water they are using," she adds. Dehydration, sun stroke and snake bites are also being reported.
Walking along the streets of Koshkalat, it's easy to spot mosquitoes hovering over ponds of stagnant water. As the standing flood waters linger, the risk of a malaria outbreak grows each day.

In response to these threats, staff and volunteers from the Pakistan Red Crescent and the International Federation are working around the clock to provide urgently-needed help.

Dire straits

In the village of Nokalat, 32-year-old Salma Aslam, lives with her family of eight. Her husband works as a wage laborer and earns a meager 150 rupees ($2.50 USD) per day, depending on the circumstances.

Salma says the floods are forcing her family into dire straits. "The weather is hot and it's hard to live in a tent… I hope that my family can bear it."

Like hundreds of thousands of other people, Salma watched as everything she owned was washed away by the merciless floods.

Remembering her home she says, "It took me and my husband eight years to build our two room house. It was small, but I had decorated it and had many memories there. We were living happily in it and now it is no more."

Women living in rural areas of Pakistan are hit particularly hard when disasters strike because of the cultural conservatism here.

Being able to bathe, go to the toilet or get medical help become major challenges for women and girls because of local rules and customs, which limit contact between the sexes. Often, it's the women and children who also wind up walking long distances to fetch water when wells and pumps are contaminated or destroyed.

"We had private latrines and bathing facilities in my home, but now everything is gone. I have to wait for hours to go to the toilet in the open because I fear that a man might see me," explains Salma.

This type of situation can also lead to a higher incidence of disease and illness.

Lessons learned
The International Federation and the Pakistan Red Crescent have a significant amount of experience in providing gender-specific relief and care in rural areas of the country. Many similar hygiene, health, water and sanitation issues arose in the aftermath of the October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province.

Lessons learned while responding to that terrible tragedy have enabled the Red Cross Red Crescent to factor these challenges into their floods relief operation, ensuring, for example, that female health professionals are available to see the women and girls.

As a result, Salma was able to take her seven-year-old daughter to a health team run by the Pakistan Red Crescent and the International Federation, where she received treatment for a respiratory tract infection and skin allergies, caused by living near stagnant water.

So far, the Pakistan Red Crescent has provided medical assistance to more than 10,500 men, women and children in both Baluchistan and Sindh. Over the next six months, almost 15 times that number are expected to receive health care as part of the Red Cross and Red Crescent's relief and recovery operation.

Meanwhile, five Emergency Response Units, specialized in logistics, health, water and sanitation are being set up in the affected areas of Baluchistan and Sindh. The Pakistan Red Crescent and the International Federation are also providing separate communal latrines for men and women, as well as kits with hygiene items, such as soap, for around 5,000 families.

The health and water and sanitation teams plan to fix wells in six villages of the Koshkalat and Gokdan areas in order to restore clean drinking water, while the cleaning of wells has already started in the villages of Aliabad and Zargept.

Abdus Salam, a 26-year-old resident of Aliabad village in Koshkalat says he can't wait for the water supply scheme in his village to be up and running again.

"It has been terrible living without water for weeks," he says. "But the Red Crescent is here and they are rehabilitating a well to provide us with clean drinking water, so now we have hope."

Pakistan: Cyclone Yemyin/Floods Appeal MDRPK001 Operations Update No. 4

2007-07-20T11:09:00.000-05:00

The Federation's mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. It is the world's largest humanitarian organization and its millions of volunteers are active in 186 countries.
In Brief
Operations update no. 04; Period covered: 13 to 18 July 2007; Appeal target: CHF 21.34 million (USD 17.3 million or EUR 12.9 million); Appeal coverage: 9%; Outstanding needs: CHF 19.4 million (USD 15.8 million or EUR 11.7 million)
Appeal history:
- Preliminary appeal launched on 04 July 2007 for CHF 10.38 million (USD 8.5 million or EUR 6.2 million) for six months to assist 14,000 families.
- A revised emergency appeal was launched on 17 July 2007 for CHF 21.34 million (USD 17.3 million or EUR 12.9 million) for six months to assist 51,500 families.
- Disaster Relief Emergency Funds (DREF) allocated: CHF 250,000 on 02 July 2007.
Operational Summary:
The floods operation is in the emergency phase as the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the Federation work hand-in–hand to provide relief to the affected people in Baluchistan and Sindh Provinces. The Federation's field assessment and coordination Team (FACT) has completed its preliminary assessments, consequently a plan of action was developed and the emergency appeal revised on 17 July. Under the new appeal, five Emergency Response Units (ERUs): logistics; health; water and sanitation; mass sanitation; and specialized water and distribution will be deployed in Sindh, while Baluchistan will be supported by PRCS/Federation national staff.
To date, the PRCS has provided medical assistance to more than 10,000 people while a total of 9,500 food parcels have been distributed in Sindh and Baluchistan. Non-food items have been distributed to more than 1,300 families (9,100 people), while the PRCS water and sanitation team is active in Turbat (Baluchistan).
Background
Severe flooding resulting from heavy rains that were exacerbated by a cyclone in late June 2007 has affected over two million people in Pakistan. The Baluchistan Province is the worse hit, with 23 of its 29 districts affected. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has placed the number of affected people in that province alone at two million, with 130 deaths. The Sindh Province, where at least 311,570 people have been affected and 115 deaths confirmed, was also hard hit. Five of its districts have been affected. Infrastructure has been severely undermined with roads and bridges damaged or destroyed and telecommunications out in many areas since 26 June 2007.
In addition to the considerable loss of life, thousands of people have been displaced as their homes were either washed away by floodwaters or are inundated. In Baluchistan, 5,000 villages have been affected while in Sindh, 173 villages are submerged. Over 67,500 houses have reportedly been damaged across these two flood-affected provinces.

Relief activities by Army troops continue in flood hit areas

2007-07-20T11:02:00.000-05:00

RAWALPINDI, July 20 (APP): Relief activities by Army troops continue in various flood hit areas of Balochistan and Sindh.
Army Troops are carrying out relief activities in Khuzdar, Nal, Gawadar, Sibbi, Jacobabad and Turbat, Naushki and Kharan in Balochistan, said an ISPR press release on Friday.
In Turbat, 9.3 tons of rations, 21 tents and 73 cartons of water bottles were distributed on Thursday.
In Naushki and Kharan eight medical camps have been established to treat thousands of patients. 5.45 tons of ration items were also distributed. In Dalbandin 5.4 tons of ration items were distributed.
Army Engineers have been moved to Ustar Muhammad for construction of Bund.
In Kamber Shadadkot (Sindh) 4,268 bags of dry ration, 7,765 kg of mixed dry ration, 5,190 kg of cloths, 1,313 water bottle cartons have been distributed, whereas 5,024 patients were provided treatment in medical camps established by Pakistan Army. Relief operation was also carried out in Sanghar and Mehr district Dadu.

Satellite Identification of Flood Water in Kharan District, Balochistan Province, Pakistan

2007-07-19T09:53:00.000-05:00

Source: UNOSAT
Reuters and AlertNet are not responsible for the content of this article or for any external internet sites. The views expressed are the author's alone.

This map illustrates satellite detected flood water over the affected district of Kharan, Baluchistan Province, Pakistan. Those areas likely covered with flood water are shown in blue and were identified from an analysis of MODIS-Terra & Aqua imagery recorded on 17 June & 3-4 July 2007. This flood detection is a preliminary analysis and has not yet been validated in the field. This map was produced through a joint collaboration among UNOSAT, WFP and ITHACA. Approximate flooded area visible in map extent as measured on 3-4 July 2007 is 4,650 square kilometers.

Pakistani soldiers evacuate villagers from a flooded area in Khairpur Nathan Shah, 480 km (298 miles) from Karachi July 18, 2007. Pakistani rescue workers are using boats to reach to hundreds of people still stranded in the country's south after severe flooding, while army helicopters are trying to evacuate them, officials said on Wednesday.

Spain donates relief goods for flood-affected people

2007-07-18T12:12:00.000-05:00

Tuesday July 17, 2007 (1619 PST)

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Spain has donated relief goods to the Government of Pakistan for the people affected by cyclone/floods in Balochistan and NWFP.
According to a press release, the Government of Spain has donated relief goods to the Government of Pakistan for the people affected by cyclone/floods in Balochistan and NWFP.

Jose Maria Robles Fraga, the Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan handed over the relief goods to Sohaila Mushtaq, Director General (ERC) in a formal ceremony held in the Rawal Lounge of Islamabad Airport on 16th July 2007.

The relief goods were comprised of Tents, Tarpaulins, Trauma Kit, General Kits and medicines.
On the behalf of Government and the people of Pakistan, the Director General (ERC) thanked the Government and the people of Spain for their kind gesture.

Hundreds of thousands of flood survivors in Southwest Pakistan in desperate need of assistance

2007-07-18T12:07:00.000-05:00

Geneva, 18 July 2007 - The United Nations launched a USD 38 million Flash Appeal today in Geneva to assist hundreds of thousands of people in southwest Pakistan struggling to survive widespread flooding in the aftermath of cyclone Yemyin, which ravaged Balochistan and Sindh in late June.

An estimated 2.5 million people have been affected by the flooding which followed four days of drenching cyclonic rains leaving 296 people dead, 195 missing and over 377,000 people displaced. While some have found sanctuary with friends and relatives, others are living in school buildings, or in improvised roadside shelters enduring scorching heat, dust storms and severe deprivation.

"United Nations agencies and NGOs are working closely with the Pakistan authorities to bring urgent assistance to those affected by this disaster," said John Holmes, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, speaking at the launch of the appeal in Geneva. "I urge the world to respond urgently and generously to this appeal. If we don’t act quickly their plight is likely to deteriorate further."

The Flash Appeal is the result of collaboration between the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan, NGOs (local and international) and the United Nations. The projects identified in the appeal will provide urgent assistance over the next three months, focusing on shelter, water and sanitation, health, food security and early recovery activities. Detailed needs assessments were carried out jointly by the Government and humanitarian community during the second week of July.

Many people are living in makeshift spontaneous settlements, camps and public buildings. There is an urgent need for emergency shelter materials that can also later be used to reconstruct homes.

Damaged and contaminated water systems and wells have caused an acute shortage of safe drinking water. Clean water must be supplied while efforts are made to repair water sources. Ensuring adequate access to sanitation and hygiene will prevent possible outbreaks of water-borne diseases. Support must be provided to ensure access to basic health care and other essential services for the most vulnerable.

Damage to crops, food stocks and livestock has caused food insecurity, while measures must be taken now to prevent malnutrition. Furthermore, most of the population relies on farming for food and for their livelihoods. Early recovery interventions should begin now to help affected communities restore livelihoods and regain normal living conditions.

"The humanitarian community is relying on international donors to fund this Flash Appeal to ensure that the impact of this disaster is contained, and that the most vulnerable receive the assistance they need," said Jan Vandemoortele, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Pakistan. "The cyclone has hit one of the poorest parts of Pakistan. The needs and challenges are immense"

CWS Appeal: Pakistan 2007 flood response

2007-07-18T12:02:00.000-05:00

July 18, 2007
Since late June, southern Pakistan has been hit by several cycles of poor weather, including rains affecting the coastal regions of Sindh and Balochistan provinces. Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, was hit by rains that resulted in floods that destroyed at least 500 homes; most seriously tropical cyclone Yemyin hit southern Balochistan and another storm struck Karachi, killing more than 230 people; strong wind gusts brought down houses of many residents living in the city’s slums. Up to 250,000 people in Balochistan were affected by the cyclone and killed at least 17 people.

The situation by 30th June worsened, with provincial and army officials now estimating that 10,000 people have perished -- an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 houses have been destroyed in Balochistan alone. The total numbers affected range from 1.5 to 2 million people. Many live in makeshift shelters, in the patched up ruins of their homes or out in the open.

Church World Service Pakistan/Afghanistan has conducted assessments in several of these areas and reports:

Noor Bibi lost her house and two goats in Gadap, in Sindh Province.
Photo: CWS-P/A

Sindh Province (Gadap Town, suburbs of Karachi)
In this area, approximately 1,000 houses have been either severely damaged or completely destroyed. 24 people have been reported dead and 250 injured, including a high number of women and children. 400 livestock are reported missing, though this is considered a low figure and in general, agriculture has been badly affected by the storms, with an estimated economic loss of $3.5 million - a figure that is expected to rise. Among the problems facing survivors of the disaster is that of water contamination. The displaced have been moved to temporary camps, and Church World Service has begun distribution of relief items.

Thatta District
Rains have continued along the costal belt of Thatta and Badin, disrupting life and causing serious damage to agricultural crops; as well, entire villages have been inundated by heavy rains. In one area, 5,200 homes have been destroyed; at least four people have been killed; in another area, 400 villages are reported affected by heavy wind storms and rains. 21,400 families are reported shelterless. 9,730 houses are partly damaged while 5,730 houses are completely destroyed.

Balochistan Province (Turbat District)
Rainfall on 26th June in Turbat, coupled with the floodwater that entered Turbat city and inundating large sections of the city, caused more than 33,000 people to evacuate their houses. In some areas, water supply and drainage systems have been completely destroyed; there are acute food shortages; skin diseases, malaria and other water born diseases are common, with children and women being the most vulnerable and at-risk.
Because CWS has a significant operational presence in the region, it is not anticipated Pakistan's deteriorating political situation (such as hostilities between anti-governmental and military loyalists) will hinder humanitarian response to the flooding.

Response
Church World Service and local partners have been conducting rapid assessments in Gadap Town, Karachi, Sindh Province; Thatta District, Sindh Province; and Turbat District, Balochistan Province. CWS is responding by providing assistance to more than 20,000 households in the three target areas, with the specific objectives of:

Providing house reconstruction materials to 1,000 families in Turbat District, and to 300 families in Thatta District and Gadap.

Providing medical assistance to affected individuals in Turbat, Thatta and Gadap through five mobile health clinics, including preventative and curative services to 33,750 persons, and vaccinations to 15,000 persons.

Fulfilling the hygienic needs of the 2,000 selected families by providing 2,000 hygiene kits and conducting awareness sessions on health and hygiene.

Providing community services and psychosocial support to selected storm/rain affected families.
Providing safe water, safe sanitary facilities to 12,000 families in the target areas.
Training 500 aid workers through two “training of trainers” sessions, one in Karachi and one in Quetta, and four introductory workshops, two in Sindh and 2 two in Balochistan, on Sphere standards.

UN reports improvements in flood-hit Pakistan but warns challenges remain

2007-07-18T10:33:00.000-05:00

UNITED NATIONS, July 11 (APP): The UN refugee agency, which has shipped thousands of relief supplies to areas in Pakistan devastated by floods in late June, has reported that conditions are improving there but serious challenges remain.
“As the water subsides, life is slowly returning to normal in the camps and families are starting to rebuild their mud houses,” Jennifer Pagonis, a spokesperson for the Geneva-based UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said Tuesday.
“But access to these areas is still difficult as the roads have been washed away,” she told reporters in Geneva, according to a press release issued at UN Headquarters in New York.
The UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that 2.15 million people in more than 6,000 villages in Balochistan and Sindh provinces have been impacted by flooding and Cyclone Yemyin, while there have been 246 deaths and 186 people are missing.
UNHCR and its partners are stepping up relief efforts in the flood-affected areas of Pakistan that are hosting Afghan refugees, and expect that by the end of the week it will have transported more than 250 tons of emergency supplies from stocks in Peshawar to Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, the press release said.
Aid distribution started on 2 July in Balochistan’s Chagai district, where heavy rains destroyed houses and compound walls in three refugee camps. “Tents, plastic sheets, sleeping mats, quilts and kitchen sets were provided to the affected Afghans and their Pakistani host community,” Ms. Pagonis said. In all, 1,600 tents, over 3,000 plastic sheets, 5,000 sleeping mats and 3,000 jerry cans are being distributed in Balochistan, benefiting Afghans and Pakistanis alike.
UNHCR is requesting over $622,000 through the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to replenish and procure shelter items such as plastic sheets, sleeping mats and blankets for 150,000 flood victims, especially in refugee-hosting areas.
The efforts by UNHCR build on those of other agencies which have been assisting Pakistan, it said.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has provided nearly 60 metric tons of food, while the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has supplied 60 metric tons of UNIMIX - food for vulnerable children, and lactating and pregnant women.
The Government and humanitarian partners are assessing the needs as well as damages in the areas impacted. As of yesterday, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that over 900 metric tons of supplies have been delivered via airplane and helicopter.
Authorities have established 70 relief camps in the Sindh town of Shahdadkot, and there are eight medical camps and 12 mobile medical teams operating in the area.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan Provincial Government has dispatched 162 staff in 72 medical camps, as well as 25 mobile teams.
According to OCHA, in Balochistan, electricity, water and communications have been severely disrupted in approximately 5,000 villages. Almost the entire population of 140,000 of Jhal Magsi district was forced to leave their homes, and efforts are being made to prioritise aid there despite its inaccessibility via road. There have been media reports that 30 villages in the district of Jafferabad have been submerged, with diarrhoea, gastroenteritis and skin diseases on the rise.
Meanwhile, OCHA said that the water is receding in Sindh, where over 16,000 houses have suffered damage, over 100,000 people have been displaced and hundreds of thousands of acres of land have been inundated.

Pakistan: Floods/Cyclone OCHA Situation Report No. 6

2007-07-18T09:05:00.000-05:00

This situation report is based on information received from the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Pakistan, National Disaster Management Authority, the National Disaster Response Advisor of OCHA in Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Clusters, The American Refugee Committee, and media sources.
1. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the deep depression over India has weakened and is likely to move in a Westerly direction towards Pakistan. Under its influence strong monsoon moisture currents are penetrating into upper and southern parts of Pakistan.
Figures confirmed by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 6th July 2007
Balochistan
Sindh
Total
Deaths
135
111
246
Homeless
100,000
50,000-60,000
160,000
Affected
2,000,000
150,000
2,150,000
Balochistan
2. The Provincial Government has initiated a survey of the post-cyclone status of the province’s infrastructure, medical facilities and social support.
3. In the daily meeting, NDMA reported that water is receding in the cyclone/flood affected districts of Balochistan. However, there is still an urgent need for drinking water, shelter kits and health & hygiene intervention in the districts of Turbat, Kharan, Khuzdar, Jhal Magsi, Sibi, Jaffarababd, and Gwadar.
Sindh
4. According to NDMA, the situation in flood affected districts of Sindh has improved significantly.
NATIONAL RESPONSE
5. As of 8th July, NDMA reported that communication links of all major roads have been restored. Presently 26 helicopters and C-130 airplanes are conducting relief activities in Balochistan.
6. Daily General Coordination Meetings, integrating the entire community response as well as government, cluster heads, military, UN Agencies, and NGOs are now taking place, replacing the coordination meetings by Balochistan Rural Support Programme.
7. Balochistan Provincial Government has requested for tents to establish two tent villages in the districts of Jal Magsi and Gandawa, which will have around 5,000 people in each camp. The Relief Commissioner informed that this request would be routed through NDMA, Islamabad.
8. Sindh Government has set up 47 relief camps for the displaced population of Shahdadkot in Qambar District. Larkana is being developed as the main logistic base for the district.
INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE
9. The Joint Assessment Missions to both Quetta and Karachi have commenced as announced in the OCHA Situation Report dated 6th July 2007. Details from the assessment will start to filter early next week.
10. UNDAC Team members are now fully deployed in three main centers (Islamabad, Karachi, and Quetta). Today, 8th July, the UNDAC teams situated in Quetta and Karachi have been involved in meetings with government officials, NDMA and joint assessment participants as a prelude to the planned field visits.
11. The UAE Government has pledged 3,000 tents for the districts of Karan, Balochistan and are expected to arrive within a week.
12. Contrary to what had been reported in the OCHA Situation Report of 5 July, the Government of Canada announced that it will contribute up to CAN Dollars 2 million (and not US$ 2 million), in immediate relief to the flood/storm-affected people of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The humanitarian aid will be provided through trusted international and local partners involved in the response.
13. On 6 July China donated USD 200,000 to the Government of Pakistan.
14. The IFRC launched on 04 July 2007 an appeal for CHF 10,380,000 (USD 8.5 million) for six months to assist 98,000 beneficiaries (14,000 families). Disaster Relief Emergency Funds (DREF) were allocated amounting CHF 250,000 on 02 July 2007. The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) teams are currently performing initial assessment. These findings will be shared with the field assessment and coordination team (FACT), who are arriving in Islamabad and Karachi. The FACT will play a vital role in coordination and liaison.
15. Muslim Aid has responded to the cyclone by providing aid in the region of £250,000 to help those in need, with the assistance of its partner organisation, Global Medic of Canada. CRS is working with Caritas Pakistan and other Caritas members to respond to the floods. Malteser International distributes survival kits to 1000 families affected by the flood disaster in the south of Pakistan
16. Church World Service has distributed 320 plastic sheets for shelter in Gadap Town in the outskirts of Karachi. According to CWS P/A assessment out of 8 Union Councils in Gadap, four were badly hit. The overall cost of damage to the area is USD 3.5 million according to government estimates.
Cluster Activities
17. With the cluster system already operational in Islamabad, four clusters have started functioning in Quetta, including Health, Education, Protection and Water/Sanitation. Efforts are underway to establish the remaining clusters by engaging the relevant line departments.
Food Cluster
18. According to UNICEF situation report, a rapid assessment indicates that 300,000 people need ready-to-eat food rations, of whom 160,000 have been rendered food insecure due to 1) lack of access to markets and other food sources resulting from damaged/severed secondary and tertiary roads; and 2) loss of household food stores, livestock, crops and sources of income. As of 11 July, the number of food insecure persons will be verified by the Joint Assessment Mission.
19. Reports from NGOs and the government indicate sufficient food has been delivered to cover food insecure households in main population centers for 1-2 weeks. Based on information presently available, a total of 25,660 metric tones of bulk and ready-to-eat food commodities would be required to meet the minimum daily caloric requirements of 300,000 persons for 3 months at varying ration scales.
20. There is sufficient standing capacity (personnel, logistics, and food reserves) to meet immediate food requirements of 150,000 persons for one month. However the existing reserves need to be replenished through the appeal process.
21. Total cost of food and associated storage, transport and handling costs would amount to USD 17.5 million. On the assumption that at least 55 percent of the needs can be met through local sources, a draft appeal for 45 percent of requirements (USD 7.8 million or 11,550 MT) has been prepared and will be adjusted against the on going Joint Assessment.
22. Under the guidance of NDMA, the Food Cluster consisting of national and international NGOs is ready to support Pakistan relief efforts with e.g., food rations, logistics support, (trucking fleets, prefabricated storage, pallets, tarpaulins etc) vulnerability and Logistics Assessment and Mapping, and staff support.
Shelter Cluster
23. Shelter Cluster meetings are currently being held in Islamabad in conjunction with the Camp Management Cluster. IFRC has assumed the lead role for the Shelter Cluster.
24. Coordination services may need to be duplicated in Karachi and-or Quetta in order to better support Provincial Authorities and agencies active in shelter provision. This will be re-assessed in the light of findings from the common rapid needs assessment.
25. Information Management systems are under review, with consideration being given to commodity tracking, 3W mapping, google groups, and sectorspecific web-sites.
Health Cluster
26. NDMA has reported 305 cases of snake bites (230 in Sindh and 75 in Balochistan). ASV was given but ASV reserves are rapidly diminishing. WHO has been requested to arrange for more ASV.
27. Among the needs, there is urgency for drinking water, increased number of mobile health teams to serve the large displaced population. In addition there is a need to address duplication by improving coordination of distribution of relief items and services.
28. Around 2,000 cases (1,800 in Sindh and 140 in Balochistan) of diarrhea have been reported in health facilities. Also, 30 cases of skin diseases and 13 cases of acute respiratory infection have been reported in Gawadar.
29. NDMA has sent a team of 130 doctors from Punjab to Turbat, Balochistan and the Pakistan Institute of Medical Services PIMS has prepared the 1st batch of medicines as per requirement sent by DG Health, Balochistan to be delivered to Quetta through NDMA.
30. WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of Health has facilitated the establishment of Health Emergency Operation Center (HEOC) at Quetta and Kech districts. A Health department official would coordinate with the Emergency cell. The Disease Early Warning System (DEWS) has been activated in Karachi.
31. WHO has also facilitated the provision of Emergency Medical Kits, water purification tablets and capacity building of health department for collecting and compiling data to identify outbreaks of communicable diseases.
32. Health Cluster Coordination meetings are being held at the Provincial Health Directorate under the chairmanship of the Director General of Health Services in Balochistan.
33. UNICEF has 29 district support officers in Balochistan who are working with WHO. A Joint WHO and UNICEF team is also supporting Qamber authorities in the distribution of medicine and other supplies as well as assessing the flood situation, health delivery system and living conditions of the affected people. Medical Camps have been established by the health department, Army, and Police in Qabu Saeed Khan, district Qambar Shahdadkot in Sindh.
34. The American Refugee Committee is providing health services in districts Naushki. Care International is sending teams to Turbat for assessment to plan services. SC-US is providing services in district Bolan.
Protection Cluster
35. Eight persons from the Protection Cluster have joined the inter-cluster assessment team. The Assistant Director of the Ministry of Social Welfare of Balochistan will be the protection focal point for the flood response for the Ministry. Furthermore, Provincial Commission on Child Welfare and Development (PCCWD) will become the monitoring body of all the protection activities being carried out in the flood-affected areas.
36. NDMA has requested the Ministry of Social Welfare (MSW), UNICEF and partners to execute a separate in-depth assessment of the situation of orphans, separated children and single females. Plans and research tools are being developed for the execution of the assessment.
37. In Islamabad, the Cluster is chaired by UNICEF and the Ministry of Social Welfare and 12 partner organizations. Protection Cluster Meetings are now being held in Quetta. A mapping exercise is being done to coordinate who is doing what and where in Protection in Balochistan.
Education Cluster
38. Education Cluster meetings are taking place in Islamabad and Quetta. The Quetta Education Cluster is being led by the Director of Education, Balochistan and supported (co-chaired / facilitated by UNICEF and SC-US).
39. Coordination between the Education Cluster and other Clusters is strong, particularly at the Quetta level. The Cluster has representation by key sector partners including, UNICEF, UNESCO, NGO (e.g. Strengthening Participatory Organisation etc) and international NGOs (SC UK, SC US, Care International).
40. UNICEF is carrying out an assessment of the damaged schools. First consignment of 400 SIBs (School in a Box) shall arrive in Quetta within 2-3 days.
41. Once the preliminary data from the common assessment is analysed, the Education Cluster will reorganize and finalise its flash appeal document to meet the current needs on ground.
Logistics Cluster
42. Information related to logistics gaps, needs and capacity from different organizations is being consolidated. WFO is ready to assist in augmenting logistics services and capacity if required. Most organizations, so far, are responding from prepositioned stock in country or local purchase.
43. In the last Logistics Cluster meeting, 7th July, IOM, ACF, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, Mercy Corps, WHO discussed issues such as supply dispatch, pipeline, stocks, customs facilitation, suppliers of relief items, road access, and air operations.
44. This situation report together with further information on ongoing emergencies is also available on the OSOCC Internet Website. http://www.unocha.org/vosocc and on the OCHA Internet Website http://www.reliefweb.int/

Save the Children Assists Children and Families Still Under Threat from Pakistan Floods

2007-07-18T08:40:00.000-05:00

Westport, CT (July 10, 2007) — Save the Children is continuing to provide vital humanitarian relief, including food and shelter materials, to thousands of children and family members left homeless by some of the worst flooding Pakistan has seen in decades.
More than 2.1 million people in Pakistan have been affected by the disaster, and more than 100,000 people have been evacuated from their villages, according government officials. Thousands of families have lost homes, food stores, crops, livestock and the ability to earn a living.

REUTERS/Stringer Pakistan: Flood victims wait for relief workers at a flooded neighbourhood near Jhal Magsi, 550 km (344 miles) from Karachi June 29, 2007. Pakistan police fired teargas on Friday to break up a protest by angry cyclone survivors as rescuers struggled to reach communities cut off by floods affecting 900,000 people. REUTERS/Nadeem Soomro (PAKISTAN)

The southwestern provinces of Balochistan and Sindh have seen the greatest destruction.
Save the Children is providing assistance to communities in five districts in Balochistan and one area in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The aid agency is distributing family food packs, which contain one-week rations, in Balochistan — where in the coming weeks it plans to reach more than 5,000 families with food, shelter materials, and necessities such as hand soap, water purification tablets and kitchen equipment. Save the Children also will distribute food, water and hygiene kits to affected families in Khyber district.
"Children have lost their homes and schools — all that is familiar to them — and we have immediate concerns for their health and safety," said Rudy Von Bernuth, who heads Save the Children's emergency response team. "In some areas where Save the Children is working, 80 percent of homes have been damaged. This means children are living in the open, and the threats to their health and safety are increasing."
Save the Children teams are continuing to assess the situation for children in the flood zone. In areas where schools have been destroyed or are being used as shelters for displaced families, the agency is working with local communities to resume school-based activities and identify areas where children can safely play.
With more than 20 years of experience assisting children in Pakistan, Save the Children also responded to the deadly earthquake of 2005, assisting thousands of children and their families through the immediate emergency. The agency continues to assist families in the earthquake zone.

Flooding in Pakistan

2007-07-17T10:40:00.000-05:00

Berlin Following heavy flooding in Pakistan, members of Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe are onsite to explore possible relief efforts. Johanniter has sufficient medication and medical consumables standing by to care for 30,000 people. In addition, Johanniter can also provide tents to house flood victims.According to the Pakistani government, approximately one million are affected by flooding in the south-western part of the country, and over 100 have lost their lives.Johanniter previously assisted Pakistan after the earthquake in 2005, when it set up a field hospital, and physicians and nurses were stationed in the country for several months. Johanniter also delivered tents and assisted in building earthquake resistant housing.Johanniter is asking for emergency aid donations.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf addresses flood victims in Kambo Saeed near Larkana, 480 km (300 miles) from Karachi July 7, 2007. Musharraf told Islamist militants barricaded in a mosque on Saturday to surrender or die, while concern grew for hundreds of women and children inside the beseiged compound in the Pakistani capital.

Cyclone floods in Pakistan leave thousands displaced and desperate

2007-07-17T10:39:00.001-05:00

By Amy BennettNEW YORK, USA, 2 July 2007 – Wading through waist-high water, families in Pakistan’s Sindh and Balochistan Provinces are looking for remnants of their homes and belongings – and sometimes for their lost loved ones.According to official estimates, more than 1 million people have been affected by floods since Cyclone Yemyin struck the region last week. Thousands fled to higher ground during the flooding, perching atop mosques and in trees to avoid being swept away.At least 100,000 people – and perhaps as many as 500,000 – have lost their homes in 14 of Balochistan's 29 districts. The Balochistan Provincial Government has confirmed 110 deaths and 200 missing, though the unofficial death toll exceeds 150. In Sindh, six districts are affected.The cyclone did extensive damage in the port city of Karachi as well, leaving an additional 200 or more dead and thousands without water and electricity.Lack of access causes concernGiven poor communications and the remote location of many affected areas, Cyclone Yemyin’s destruction cannot yet be fully tallied. But witnesses report scenes of devastation, with crops, livestock, roads and bridges destroyed. There are also reports of people still stranded in outlying areas of Balochistan, waiting to be rescued.Indeed, a great cause for concern at this stage is the lack of access to many of the affected areas in Balochistan. The province is largely cut off from the rest of Pakistan due to infrastructure damage and continued flooding. So far, only army helicopters and planes have been used in the relief operations.In the district of Turbat, one of the worst-affected areas, relief efforts are hampered and civilians urgently need help. Riots have broken out there among flood victims desperate for aid. Like many other districts, Turbat also has seen its water supplies contaminated and electricity disrupted.UN and UNICEF respondAs the UN mobilizes its resources in response to the Pakistan flood crisis, UNICEF has been tasked to lead several teams focusing on water and sanitation, education, child protection and communication, and to assist with the health response.By Saturday, 30 June, in response to initial requests from the authorities in Balochistan, UNICEF had already delivered the following urgently needed relief supplies:- 740,000 water-purification tablets- 33,600 blankets- 4,000 jerry cans- 12 tents- 50 metric tonnes of Unimix (a nutritious fortified flour)- Two new emergency health kits designed to provide for the immediate health needs of 20,000 people for three months- 20 water bladders- 56,000 packs of soap- 12 bales of cloth for water filtration- 2,000 fibreglass toilet slabs.In addition, the provincial government received support for local procurement of medicines and for trucking safe water to flood-affected communities.Sindh and Balochistan Provinces were not the only areas affected by Cyclone Yemyin. Storms and floods spread havoc over large parts of South Asia during the past week – including India, Afghanistan and other parts of Pakistan – creating an even more critical need for aid from UNICEF and other international humanitarian agencies on the ground.

Cyclone floods in Pakistan leave thousands displaced and desperate

2007-07-17T10:39:00.000-05:00

Floods in Pakistan

2007-07-17T10:38:00.001-05:00

A dual disaster hit Pakistan in the final week of June 2007. On June 23, rare heavy rains and winds swept over much of the country, and three days later, on June 26, Cyclone Yemyin (03B) blew ashore in southern Pakistan. The two storms caused extensive flooding in the country’s southwest from the Arabian Sea coast to the border with Afghanistan. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) captured this image of flooding near the Indus River on July 2, 2007. The large image shows additional flooding along the coast.In this type of false-color image, made with infrared and visible light, water is dark blue or black. The lighter blue color in the north is either water-soaked land or mud-laden water. The desert landscape is tan-pink, while cropland near the Indus is green. Clouds are pale blue and white. The lower image, taken on June 23 before the storm moved in, shows normal conditions. The white streak near the right edge of the image is sunlight reflected off the wetlands around the Indus River.In the area shown here, more than 100,000 people were displaced when 800 villages were submerged by floods, said Relief Web. As of July 4, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimated that approximately 300 lives had been lost throughout Pakistan, and 550,000 people had been displaced.You can download a 250-meter-resolution KMZ file of the flooding and comparison imagery from June 23, suitable for use with Google Earth.NASA image created by Jesse Allen, using data provided courtesy of the MODIS Rapid Response team.

UN reports improvements in flood-hit Pakistan

2007-07-17T10:37:00.002-05:00

Warns challenges remainUNITED NATIONS: The UN refugee agency, which has shipped thousands of relief supplies to areas in Pakistan devastated by floods in late June, has reported that conditions are improving there but serious challenges remain.“As the water subsides, life is slowly returning to normal in the camps and families are starting to rebuild their mud houses,” Jennifer Pagonis, a spokesperson for the Geneva-based UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said. “But access to these areas is still difficult as the roads have been washed away,” she told reporters in Geneva, according to a press release issued at UN Headquarters in New York.The UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that 2.15 million people in more than 6,000 villages in Balochistan and Sindh provinces have been impacted by flooding and Cyclone Yemyin, while there have been 246 deaths and 186 people are missing.UNHCR and its partners are stepping up relief efforts in the flood-affected areas of Pakistan that are hosting Afghan refugees, and expect that by the end of the week it will have transported more than 250 tons of emergency supplies from stocks in Peshawar to Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, the press release said.Aid distribution started on July 2 in Balochistan’s Chagai district, where heavy rains destroyed houses and compound walls in three refugee camps. “Tents, plastic sheets, sleeping mats, quilts and kitchen sets were provided to the affected Afghans and their Pakistani host community,” Ms Pagonis said. In all, 1,600 tents, over 3,000 plastic sheets, 5,000 sleeping mats and 3,000 jerry cans are being distributed in Balochistan, benefiting Afghans and Pakistanis alike.UNHCR is requesting over $622,000 through the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to replenish and procure shelter items such as plastic sheets, sleeping mats and blankets for 150,000 flood victims, especially in refugee-hosting areas.The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has provided nearly 60 metric tons of food, while the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has supplied 60 metric tons of UNIMIX - food for vulnerable children, and lactating and pregnant women.The Government and humanitarian partners are assessing the needs as well as damages in the areas impacted. As of yesterday, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that over 900 metric tons of supplies have been delivered via airplane and helicopter.Authorities have established 70 relief camps in the Sindh town of Shahdadkot, and there are eight medical camps and 12 mobile medical teams operating in the area.Meanwhile, the Balochistan Provincial Government has dispatched 162 staff in 72 medical camps, as well as 25 mobile teams. According to OCHA, in Balochistan, electricity, water and communications have been severely disrupted in approximately 5,000 villages. Almost the entire population of 140,000 of Jhal Magsi district was forced to leave their homes, and efforts are being made to prioritise aid there despite its inaccessibility via road. There have been media reports that some 30 villages in the district of Jafferabad have been submerged, with diarrhoea, gastroenteritis and skin diseases on the rise.Meanwhile, OCHA said that the water is receding in Sindh, where over 16,000 houses have suffered damage, over 100,000 people have been displaced and hundreds of thousands of acres of land have been inundated.

ERD responds to flooding in Pakistan

2007-07-17T10:37:00.001-05:00

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is providing emergency aid to people in Southern Pakistan after flooding caused severe damage in the region.Heavy rains caused flooding in Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, in the Sindh Province and surrounding areas. Over 300 people have died from storm-related damage and flooding. Many areas of Karachi are without electricity and basic amenities, and there is concern of the development of water-borne diseases due to slow cleanup efforts. In the Balochistan province, 200 people are missing and two million people in 15 districts were affected by flooding.Gadap, the city worst affected by flooding, is located 34 miles outside of Karachi. Over 24 people were killed, over 200 others were injured, and one thousand homes were heavily damaged or completely ruined. The destruction was caused by 69 mile per-hour wind gusts followed by torrential rain that caused many of the homes and buildings in less developed areas to collapse. Residents are now dependent on contaminated water after the covers of the town's concrete water tanks were blown away. The floods killed livestock and destroyed 75 poultry farms. So far, the storms have caused damage estimated at 200 million rupees, close to $3.5 million U.S.ERD is working in partnership with Church World Service to provide emergency relief to 250 of vulnerable families in Gadap. Critical food supplies such as wheat flour, rice, cooking oil, sugar, tea leaves, iodized salt, powdered milk, and matches will be distributed to each family, particularly those most vulnerable such as widows, children, and the elderly.To help people affected by disasters, please make a donation to the "Emergency Relief Fund" online at http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development "Emergency Relief Fund" P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) (3) organization, ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. ERD's programs work toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.With the exception of public UN sources, reproduction or redistribution of the above text, in whole, part or in any form, requires the prior consent of the original source.

Emergency relief and immunization

2007-07-17T10:35:00.000-05:00

Khan Zadi, 40, a mother of four in the flood zone, had been struggling since her husband abandoned the family। Now the floods have inflicted yet more hardship।Although they all survived the floods, Ms. Zadi had to send three of her children – the eldest 12 years of age and the youngest only 4 – to a nearby town to stay with relatives. She has had no contact with them since they were separated. Her 10-month-old baby Amis, who remains with her, is suffering from diarrhoea and skin disease.

A vaccination team protects children against measles at the all-girls Gulshan Public School in Quetta, the capital of flood-stricken Balochistan Province.

Because of the flood emergency, two of Balochistan’s seven districts have been unable to participate in a nationwide measles campaign supported by UNICEF। The largest-ever vaccination effort in the country aims to reach more than 63 million children by March 2008.

Homes and belongings lost

2007-07-17T10:33:00.000-05:00

In Najma’s village, almost every family was affected by the recent cyclone floods – the first in the area in 30 years. Many villagers lost their homes and belongings, and are now seeking refuge in basic shelters on the high ground.

Najma carries water from a pump back to her family’s shelter, but for many displaced by flooding in Sindh Province, access to safe water is a luxury।

Najma’s family saw their cattle drowned and their rice crops ruined। They sleep on the road under a neighbour’s tractor.Across the floodwaters, which have yet to recede, Najma can still see her village. But the mud walls of her home are slowly collapsing before her eyes.

Earthquake survivors celebrating Eid; UN relief flights resumed

2006-01-13T14:53:00.000-05:00

MUZAFFARABAD: Earthquake survivors celebrating Eid-ul-Azha in tent settlements amid frosty winds and snowfall in the quake zone.

United Nations relief flights have been resumed in quake-hit areas of Azad Kashmir after three days stoppage.

In Muzaffarabad, the quake-shattered capital of Azad Kashmir, there were few people buying sheep or cows to slaughter on Eid. Many charity organisations as well as Islamic groups had set up camps in the city to slaughter animals and distribute meat among quake survivors.

Meanwhile Britain has donated $ 10 million to United Nations for relief operations in the quake-stricken areas.

Geo report

Earthquake/Aftershocks Report

2006-01-13T14:51:00.000-05:00

Earthquake/Aftershocks Report
Friday Jan 13, 2006

Total Aftershocks occured in Last 24 Hrs: ............................ 04

Significant Aftershocks in Last 24 Hrs:............................... Nil

Total Aftershocks since 08th Oct, 2005................................ 1599

PAKISTAN METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

Weather Forecast For Mon 16 Jan, 2006

2006-01-13T14:46:00.000-05:00

PAKISTAN METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

PRECIPITATION
Cloudy with intermittent widespread rain/widespread snow heavy at times over high mountains above 5,000 ft.

TEMPERATURES
Maximum 04 to 06 °C in low lying areas, 06°C in Muzaffarabad, 02 to 04°C over the foothills of the Karakorum.

Minimum -4 to -2°C in plain areas over/around Islamabad, 01°C in Muzaffarabad, but as low as -4 to -8°C in the highest villages.

WIND
Mostly windy,high at evening/night.

Weather Forecast For Sun 15 Jan, 2006

2006-01-13T14:45:00.000-05:00

PAKISTAN METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

PRECIPITATION
Cloudy with intermittent widespread rain/widespread snow heavy at times over high mountains above 5,000 ft.

TEMPERATURES
Maximum 06 to 08 °C in low lying areas, 08°C in Muzaffarabad, 04 to 06°C over the foothills of the Karakorum.

Minimum -2 to 02°C in plain areas over/around Islamabad, 02°C in Muzaffarabad, but as low as -2 to -6°C in the highest villages.

WIND
Mostly windy,high at evening/night

Weather Forecast For Sat 14 Jan, 2006

2006-01-13T14:43:00.000-05:00

PAKISTAN METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

PRECIPITATION
Cloudy leading to light rain/snow over high mountains above 6,000 ft.

TEMPERATURES
Maximum 08 to 10 °C in low lying areas, 10°C in Muzaffarabad, 04 to 06°C over the foothills of the Karakorum.

Minimum -2 to 02°C in plain areas over/around Islamabad, 02°C in Muzaffarabad, but as low as -2 to -6°C in the highest villages.

WIND
Light and variable wind.

Weather Forecast For Mon 09 Jan, 2006

2006-01-07T03:32:00.000-05:00

PAKISTAN METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

PRECIPITATION
Mostly cloudy leading to isolated light rain/light snow during night.

TEMPERATURES
Maximum 08 to 12 °C in low lying areas, 12°C in Muzaffarabad, 06 to 08°C over the foothills of the Karakorum.

Minimum -2 to 00°C in plain areas over/around Islamabad, - 1°C in Muzaffarabad, but as low as -4 to -10°C in the highest villages.

WIND
Strong wind all day..

Weather Forecast For Sun 08 Jan, 2006

2006-01-07T03:07:00.000-05:00

PAKISTAN METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

PRECIPITATION
Good sunshine at morning, high clouds approaching during afternoon.

TEMPERATURES Maximum 10 to 14 °C in low lying areas, 14°C in Muzaffarabad, 08 to 12°C over the foothills of the Karakorum.

Minimum -4 to -2°C in plain areas over/around Islamabad, - 2°C in Muzaffarabad, but as low as -6 to -14°C in the highest villages.

WIND
Mostly windy, high wind chill all evening/night..

Weather Forecast of Main Cities for Thursday

2006-01-04T10:56:00.000-05:00

Weather Forecast of Main Cities for Thursday

Weather Forecast For Sat 07 Jan, 2006

2006-01-04T10:37:00.000-05:00

PAKISTAN METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

PRECIPITATION
Good sunshine all day with some high clouds at times.

TEMPERATURES
Maximum 10 to 14 °C in low lying areas, 14°C in Muzaffarabad, 08 to 12°C over the foothills of the Karakorum.

Minimum -4 to -2°C in plain areas over/around Islamabad, - 2°C in Muzaffarabad, but as low as -5 to -13°C in the highest villages.

WIND
Strong wind all day..

Weather Forecast For Fri 06 Jan, 2006

2006-01-04T10:33:00.000-05:00

PRECIPITATION
Partly cloudy with isolated local buildups during afternoon.

TEMPERATURES
Maximum 10 to 12 °C in low lying areas, 12°C in Muzaffarabad, 08 to 10°C over the foothills of the Karakorum.

Minimum -4 to -2°C in plain areas over/around Islamabad, - 2°C in Muzaffarabad, but as low as -6 to -13°C in the highest villages.

WIND
Mostly windy, high wind chill all evening/night..

Help peoples

2006-01-03T07:39:00.000-05:00

Help poor peoples

Weather Forecast For Thu 05 Jan, 2006

2006-01-03T07:37:00.000-05:00

PAKISTAN METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

PRECIPITATION
Partly cloudy with increasing clouds at evening/night.

TEMPERATURES
Maximum 10 to 12 °C in low lying areas, 12°C in Muzaffarabad, 08 to 10°C over the foothills of the Karakorum.

Minimum -4 to -2°C in plain areas over/around Islamabad, - 1°C in Muzaffarabad, but as low as -6 to -16°C in the highest villages.

WIND
Mostly windy, high wind chill all evening/night..

Weather Forecast For Wed 04 Jan, 2006

2006-01-03T07:34:00.000-05:00

PAKISTAN METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

PRECIPITATION
Partly cloudy with dying out rain/snow giving sunshine windows.

TEMPERATURES
Maximum 08 to 12 °C in low lying areas, 10°C in Muzaffarabad, 06 to 08°C over the foothills of the Karakorum.
Minimum -2 to 00°C in plain areas over/around Islamabad, - 1°C in Muzaffarabad, but as low as -4 to -14°C in the highest villages.

WIND
Mostly windy, high wind chill all evening/night.

More rain, snow buffet quake zone

2006-01-03T07:33:00.000-05:00

MUZAFFARABAD: Heavy rain and snow buffeted the earthquake-hit areas for a second day , adding to the misery of millions of survivors camped out in tents and crude shelters, as doctors reported increasing respiratory infections among survivors.

Poor visibility forced a suspension of flights by helicopters from the UN, foreign militaries and the Pakistan Army, which have been delivering winterised tents, clothes, food and other provisions to survivors.

There were conflicting reports about major roads leading to Muzaffarabad. Nasir said they remained open, but aid workers said they were either blocked or hazardous. A road to Chakothi, on the Line of Control, was blocked by a landslide about 15 kms from Muzaffarabad, according to reports.

The UN deputy humanitarian coordinator, said that the harsh weather had forced 100 families to move from the mountains to a Mira camp near Battagram in the NWFP on Sunday. He said tents were damp, and aid workers were distributing high-protein foods and warm clothes to children. "It’s what we have been fearing all along," he told foreign news agency.

Azad Kashmir and the north-western parts of the country have had least two feet of snow since Saturday evening. The Met Office forecast more, with strong, chilly winds and subfreezing temperatures over the next few days. Met office official Muhammad Aslam said rain and widespread heavy snow was expected until Saturday. Temperatures will likely dip to -6 degrees Celsius in the plains, and to -14 degrees Celsius in the mountains, the Met Office said.

Heavy snow fell across high ground and rain drenched valleys overnight, triggering some tent collapses and landslides but the military, coordinating a huge relief effort with aid groups, said there had been no reports of major incidents.

More than two million people have been camping out since the quake in tents or flimsy shelters built in the rubble of their homes. They said heavy snow had brought down tents in the remote, high-altitude Allai Valley as well as in some parts of Azad Kashmir.

5 Day Weather Outlook for Kashmir

2006-01-03T03:43:00.000-05:00

All heights in FT above MSL. Temperatures in Celsius. Time standard UTC.
Date: 30 December 2005
Today 30 December: Generally cloudy with isolated outbreaks of rain or showers, mainly in the
north, with snow on ground above about 5000 FT giving locally slight new accumulations. Local
dense smoke haze around urban areas morning and night. Wind variable, mostly light, but locally
moderate down mountain valleys at night.
Muzaffarabad: Max 12 C Min PS 04 C

Saturday 31 December: Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, with snow on ground above about 5000
FT, the precipitation locally heavy at times. Slight to moderate, isolated heavy, new accumulations
of snow likely. Local dense smoke haze around urban areas morning and night. Wind variable,
mostly light, but locally moderate down mountain valleys at night.
Muzaffarabad: Max 10 C Min PS 04 C

Sunday 01 January: Widespread rain (snow on ground above about 5000 FT), heavy at times.
Moderate to heavy new accumulations of snow expected. Local dense smoke haze around urban
areas morning and night. Wind variable, mostly light, but locally moderate down mountain valleys
at night.
Muzaffarabad: Max 10 C Min PS 05 C

Monday 02 January: Widespread rain (snow on ground above about 5000 FT), heavy at first but
becoming patchy and mainly light overnight. Local moderate to heavy new accumulations of snow
expected. Local dense smoke haze around urban areas morning and night. Wind variable, mostly
light, but locally moderate down mountain valleys at night.
Muzaffarabad: Max 07 C Min PS 02 C

Tuesday 03 January: Isolated showers, mainly in the north, of snow above about 5000 FT, giving
slight new accumulations. Local dense smoke haze around urban areas morning and night. Wind
variable, mostly light, but locally moderate down mountain valleys at night.
Muzaffarabad: Max 05 C Min MS 01 C

Wednesday 04 January: Isolated becoming occasional showers, of snow above about 5000 FT,
giving local moderate new accumulations. Local dense smoke haze around urban areas morning
and night. Wind variable, mostly light, but locally moderate down mountain valleys at night.
Muzaffarabad: Max 03 C Min MS 04 C

Issued at: 300010 Z By the Chief Fore

Snow fall in Earthquake Affected Area

2006-01-03T03:18:00.000-05:00

Meteorological Service of Pakistan

Snowfall has already been reported from isolated places in calamity-hit areas of Pakistan during the last decade of October. Initial overview of the regional and global parameters indicates that another harsh winter is approaching the earthquake stricken areas. Snowfall is expected to exceed considerably above the normal range both in terms of frequency of occurrence and amount. As such, the temperatures are likely to range well below normal. General winter outlook especially in mountainous earthquake affected areas is presented in the following table for an area within the radius of 80km around the epicenter (Muzaffarabad).

S.No.Area Expected Snowfall (ft) Expected Lowest Night Temperature (°C)
Nov Dec Jan Feb Nov Dec Jan Feb
1 North of 1 7 10 7 -4 -7 -10 -6
Epicenter
2 Around 1 5 8 5 -3 -6 -9 -4
Epicenter
3 South of 0.5 3 7 4 -2 -5 -8 -4
Epicenter

In December, January and February, even the day temperatures are likely to stay several degrees below freezing especially in mountainous areas and during January lowest minimum temperatures usually drop as low as -20s degree Celsius. The landslides and foggy weather in winter may be another factor affecting the human survival in these areas.

Meteorological Service of Pakistan

MISERY FOR SURVIVORS

2006-01-02T10:09:00.000-05:00

The bad weather had been expected since early December but held off, allowing more supplies of shelter, bedding, food and medical supplies to be flown and trucked up into the mountains.

Misery in Pakistan quake zone as snow grounds relief

2006-01-02T10:05:00.000-05:00

MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Rain and snow fell across Pakistan's earthquake zone for a second straight day on Monday, grounding relief flights and adding to the misery of millions of survivors camped out in tents and crude shelters.
Heavy snow fell across high ground and rain drenched valleys overnight, triggering some tent collapses and landslides but the military, coordinating a huge relief effort with aid groups, said there had been no reports of major incidents.
"There has been no unpleasant news regarding any accidents," said Major Farooq Nasir, a military spokesman in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani Kashmir.

Snowfall in Earthquake Areas

2006-01-02T10:01:00.000-05:00

Kashmiri earthquake survivors walk in the snow near in the devastated village of Neelum Valley, north of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, January 2, 2006. Rain and snow fell across Pakistan's earthquake zone for a second straight day on Monday, grounding relief flights and adding to the misery of millions of survivors camped out in tents and crude shelters. BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE REUTERS/STR/PAKISTAN

Earthquake in Pakistan

2006-01-02T09:51:00.000-05:00

Learning from Earthquakes

First Report on the Kashmir Earthquake of October 8, 2005

Overview
On October 8, 2005, at 08:50 am local time, a Mw7.6 earthquake struck the Kashmiri region of Paki-stan and India, causing widespread destruction in Pakistan’s Azad Jum-mu and Kashmir (AJK) and North-west Frontier Provinces (NWFP), and in India’s western and southern Kashmir—an area of 30,000 km2(see Figure 1). This was the dead-liest earthquake in the recent his-tory of the sub-continent, with more than 80,000 fatalities, 200,000 peo-ple injured, and more than 4 million people left homeless.

The epicenter of the main earth-quake was located at latitude 34° 29′ 35″ N and longitude 73° 37′ 44″ E, and the focal depth was determined to be 26 km (USGS). The main shock was followed by
more than 978 aftershocks of mag-nitude Mw 4.0 and above, until October 27, 2005. This earthquake is associated with the known sub-duction zone of an active thrust fault in the area where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates are collid-ing and moving northward at a rate of40 mm/yr, giving rise to the Himalay-an mountain ranges. Almost all thebuildings—mainly stone and block masonry laid in cement sand mor-tar—collapsed in areas close to the
epicenter. Up to 25 km from the epi-center, nearly 25% of the buildings collapsed, and 50% of the buildings were severely damaged.

The major affected towns in Pakistan were Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawlakot and Balakot. In addition, Islamabad, Shinkiari, Batagram, Mansehra, Abbotabad, and Murree were dam-aged. Initial rescue and relief efforts were hampered by the mountainous terrain, bad weather, and damaged or collapsed infrastructure.

Government agencies and NGOs are racing against the weather to deliver relief supplies and temporary housing to remote areas before winter sets in. Several EERI members visited the region shortly after the earthquake and sent back initial reports.
PAKISTAN
Authors contributing to this section were Dr. A. Naeem, Dr. Qaisar Ali, Muhammad Javed, Zakir Hussain, Amjad Naseer, Syed Muhammad Ali, Irshad Ahmed, and Muhammad Ashraf of the Earthquake Engineer-ing Center in the Department of
Civil Engineering, N-W.F.P. Univer-sity of Engineering and Technology (UET), Peshawar, Pakistan, and Charles Scawthorn of Kyoto Univer-sity, Japan. The publication of thisreport is funded by EERI’s Learning from Earthquakes Program, under National Science Foundation grant # CMS-0131895.

The epicentral area is a very rug-ged mountainous area with deep narrow valleys and relief of 5,000 or more feet and slopes of 45-50 de-grees. A large number of smaller settlements and houses are on valley walls, right up to ridge tops. Muzaffarabad—about 10 km south-west of the epicenter—is the largest city in the region, with a population of about 200,000, and was severely damaged (see Figure 2). Pakistan reports more than 72,000 people dead, and 2.8 million displaced.
Ground Motions
Shaking intensity: Based on obser-vations of buildings and infrastruc-ture, team members estimate MMI
X+ in Balakot, MMI VIII-IX in Muzaf-farabad, and MMI VII-VIII in other locations south of Muzaffarabad.
Liquefaction: None was observed, and it doesn’t appear to have oc-curred to any significant degree, probably due to a low water table in this arid region, as well as to alluvial deposits being generally coarsely
graded (due to steepness of stream beds).

Landslides: There were numerous
landslides, generally minor to moder-
ate but massive in some instances, causing some deaths and injuries and blocking roads. A dramatic but surficial landslide occurred on the moutainside to the north of Muzaffarabad (Figure 3). It should be noted there was evidence of similar pre-earthquake slides in the same area.
A massive landslide about 40 km SE of the epicenter appears to be a failure of an entire valley wall perhaps 5,000 feet high (Figure 4).
Debris flowed down and across thevalley, damming it with a crest ap-proximately 2 km in length. The scale of this slide is analogous to the 1959 Hebgen Lake (Montana)
slide. The slide warrants further investigation.