Thursday 31 March 2011

Catastrophe, massive than Tsunami

Pakistan has suffered the worst floods for 80 years and at least 2200 people have been killed with 22 million others affected. The crisis is expected to worsen with the forecast of more heavy rains. According to UN the recent floods in Pakistan have caused a sever damage and the catastrophe has proved to be massive than Tsunami. Renewed rain has been hampering relief efforts after the flood of the century in Pakistan. Mass evacuations are under way in the southern province of Sindh after the Indus River rose there.

The intense flooding that began about two weeks ago has washed away roads, bridges and many communications lines, hampering rescue efforts. Incessant monsoon rains have grounded many helicopters trying to rescue people and ferry aid.

Floodwaters receded somewhat on Friday in the north-west, but downpours again swelled rivers and streams.

Pakistani meteorologist Farooq Dar said heavy rains in Afghanistan were expected to make things even worse over the next 36 hours as the bloated Kabul River surged into Pakistan's north-west. That will likely mean more woes for Punjab and Sindh provinces as well, as new river torrents flow east and south.
The United Nations said at least 15 million people had been affected, including 1.5 million severely, meaning their homes had been damaged or destroyed.
UN and Pakistani officials may put the figure much higher after a detailed assessment.

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