Pakistani flood survivors evacuate from
Aid agencies are warning outbreaks of disease pose a serious new risk to victims of Pakistan’s worst flooding, as United Nations chief Ban Ki-Moon announces he is to visit the country this weekend.
Monsoons have engulfed Pakistan’s Indus river basin, killing more than 1,600 people and forcing two million from their homes.
A further 14 million, 8% of the country’s population, have been disrupted by the disaster.
Although waters have receded in some areas, the UN says fresh downpours could bring more destruction for aid agencies already facing huge logistical challenges.
Fever, stomach problems and skin diseases are already spreading among survivors of the flooding.
The UN is increasingly worried about water-borne diseases – there have been 36,000 suspected cases of potentially fatal diarrhoea reported so far.
“This is a growing concern. Therefore we are responding with all kinds of preventative as well as curative medication … for outbreaks,” said Maurizio Giuliano, the UN humanitarian operation spokesman.
The UN has appealed for £293m in emergency aid and warned of a wave of deaths if help does not arrive soon.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will fly to Pakistan over the weekend to discuss the flood crisis with Pakistani leaders.
There are fears ncreasing desperation could lead to social unrest and further pressure on a government already on the defensive after being criticised for its response.
“Children are dying now as we speak because of lack of access to clean drinking water,” said Pascal Cuttat, International Committee of the Red Cross Head of Delegation in Islamabad.
:: The Disasters and Emergency Committee has set up an appeal to raise money and received over £10.5m in donations so far.
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