Aid slow to arrive in Pakistan

(August 20, 2010) The Aid for 20 million victims has begun to arrive in Pakistan, but the international community seems slower in raising funds. Moreover aid distribution has failed to reach entire areas. The situation is severe in Sindh, south of the river Indus, where the waters swell and there is growing fear of flooding. The crisis remains high even Punjab, where about 900 000 homes were destroyed and water has flooded entire regions carrying off reserves, seeds, crops and leaving people without food or water to drink. The UN is concerned that after deaths from drowning, there will now follow "a second wave of deaths". At least eight million people, half of them children are likely to die of diseases related to stagnant undrinkable water, including typhoid, hepatitis, and cholera, malaria, in addition to the hunger that is gripping many people who lost their homes and have no shelter or tents. Only one million flood victims have so far received some help. The United Nations has appealed for 460 million dollars to ensure emergency relief within the first 90 days. So far it has achieved only 54.4% of the total and some of which are mere pledges. The World Bank has provided a 900 million dollar loan, and the Asia Development Bank today offered a 2 billion dollar loan. Several countries have come forward with help including the United States and the European Union. Pakistan has finally accepted India's offer of 5 million US dollars as aid for the devastating floods that have hit the country and has thanked India. The Prime Minister having called his counter part in Pakistan has promised additional help. The floods have affected not only the population but also the infrastructure and Agriculture in Pakistan.