Millions in despair as Pakistan floods spread – Asia – The Independent

Downpours are preventing helicopters from rescuing stranded people and delivering badly needed food and clean water

By Nina Lakhani and David Randall

-Excerpt- Khadija Jamal Shaban, chair of Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan, said: “There is water everywhere but not a drop to drink. Even if there was enough dry milk, the water is dirty. We are terrified about the dead bodies and livestock we are sure to find once these waters recede; it is going to be nightmarish and hugely traumatic for everyone.”

Focus Humanitarian Assistance, an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network, which is operating the only non-military search and rescue team in Pakistan, was trying to co-ordinate a second round of rescue and relief operations yesterday. While nearly $100m has been pledged by governments and charities across the world (including £4m from Britain’s Disasters Emergencies Committee), relief efforts continue to be hampered by heavy rain and poor visibility which prevent helicopters and aircraft from delivering aid in some of the worst affected areas. The military’s effort to rebuild roads and restore bridges that have been washed away were also being undermined by the renewed downpours.

via Millions in despair as Pakistan floods spread – Asia, World – The Independent.