(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.