Worst Flooding in 80 years hits Pakistan

Monsoon rains during the month of July have lead to a disastrous situation in Pakistan. At least 1,500 people have been reported killed and that number is expected to rise. According to some reports 2.5 million people have been affected by the flooding.

 

The major problem faced by authorities is getting to the people in trouble. Roads and bridges have been washed out effectively cutting off certain areas from relief. Consequently there are the associated problems of having enough aid for people and getting such aid to them. Officials are concerned by a lack of drinking water which is leading to fear of disease.

 

While the U.N. and various nations like the U.S. and China have pledged aid, time is critical in dealing with this situation. Stability in this region and in the country of Pakistan is very important to the international community and militants are well known to use such disasters to recruit disillusioned people to their causes.

 

 

Numerous organizations have put together relief programs. According to BBC News, a partial list of aid groups includes Oxfam, Actionaid, Red Cross, Cafod, Care, Christian Aid, Concern, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Save the Children, Tearfund and World Vision.

Click HERE to read more columns by William Belle.

 

 

Wikipedia: 2010 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa floods

 

Videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkP0lRLu0lE
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEWvFGbS1oE

 

Pakistan Red Crescent Society

 

UNGCR: The UN Refugee Agency