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Pakistan flood victims still at risk

A family displaced by the floods in Pakistan - REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro, courtesy Trust.org - AlertNet

More than two months after the floods that hit Pakistan in August millions of people are still at great risk as humanitarian problems in the country continue to mount. Waterborne diseases are beginning to spread and the winter season is fast approaching, whilst aid agencies are worried about the lack of funds necessary to do vital work.

Stagnant water in areas affected by the floods poses a great risk to people’s health. Diseases like diarrhea and malaria are spreading whilst there has been an increase in the number of acute respiratory infections reported in flood affected areas.

“The spread of waterborne diseases is a real concern. People that have been displaced from their homes, who don’t have even the most basic of necessities, are extremely vulnerable”, said Islamic Relief.

Over 9 million people have been affected by the floods - which came just over a year after the devastating floods that hit Pakistan last year - with millions of homes in Sindh, the worst hit region in the country, destroyed or damaged.

The winter season looks set to cause further problems as the cold weather makes adequate shelter a major priority. There are 800,000 people who are still displaced from their homes and those already with shelter will need extra support to protect them against harsh, wintery conditions.

Despite these mounting problems the amount of funds raised for the floods in Pakistan so far has been extremely low. The UN has only managed to raise $96.5 million after appealing for $357 million, whilst aid agencies operations are also dangerously underfunded.

“It’s worrying how little funds have been raised for this crisis. Without enough funds we won’t be able to reach many of those affected, those who are vulnerable and in need of serious help. We need more donations; we need more funds to do vital, life saving work”, added Islamic Relief.

Food is still a major problem in the country - thirteen districts in Sindh have seen more than 67 percent of food stocks destroyed. This time of year is also planting season, but the fields of many farmers are still under water which will further prolong the problem of hunger.