Pakistan’s floods have left 3.5 million children at risk from deadly diseases, according to the UN, with the situation described as a ‘disaster of mind-blowing proportions’.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon visited Pakistan to see for himself the destruction that the floods have brought. He reported that it is the worst disaster he has ever seen.
Recent flooding in Pakistan has covered large areas of the country in water and countless towns and crops have been destroyed.
However, the most imminent danger for Pakistan’s flood victims is now the spread of water-borne diseases such as watery diarrhoea and dysentery. A UN spokesman has warned that 3.5m children are at risk of disease.
The UN has called on the world to speed up its aid efforts for Pakistan. An initial appeal for £295m to provide relief has only been 25% realised.
Tens of thousands of Pakistanis are also thought to be at risk from cholera.
Oxfam’s country director in Pakistan, said: “The speed with which the situation is deteriorating is frightening. Communities desperately need clean water, latrines and hygiene supplies, but the resources currently available cover only a fraction of what is required.”
Want to help?
The Disasters Emergency Committee –
comprising a group of 13 UK humanitarian aid agencies – has set up an
automated donation line is 0370 60 60 900 or go to dec.org.uk
