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The Government of Pakistan now estimates that up to 20 million people are affected by the deadly floods, with floodwaters continuing to surge along the Indus river and displacing hundreds of thousands in Sindh province alone in the last couple of days. Shelter, food, clean water and medical help is urgently needed across the country. The UN Secretary General visited Pakistan on 15 August to see the human suffering and devastation caused by this still unfolding disaster. Recalling the 'heart-wrenching' destruction and suffering he witnessed, Ban Ki-moon said, "These unprecedented floods demand unprecedented assistance. I pledge my commitment and the support of the UN through this difficult period and on every step of the long road ahead". The UN and partner agencies plan to assist at least eight million people over the coming weeks. Clean water is an urgent priority with diarrhoeal and other water-borne diseases on the increase. The Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan, Martin Mogwanja, reiterated concerns yesterday for for millions of children and the most vulnerable, who also face food shortages. John Holmes, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, accompanied the Secretary-General on his visit, including to a relief camp in Multan. "This is a disaster which has affected many more people than I have ever seen. What we saw today confirms the scale and urgency of the needs," he said, urging the international community to step up accordingly. So far the Emergency Response Plan (PIFERP) is only 27% funded - US$ 459.7 million has been requested by the UN and partners, to ensure assistance reaches those who need it most and as soon as possible. Water: clean water supply through tankers and tube wells, and water purification is a top priority. Jerrycans, buckets and purification tablets are being distributed, but funding is needed urgently so that assistance can be scaled up and further risk of waterborne disease avoided. Shelter: More than 100,000 households now have shelter in the form of either tents or plastic sheeting, and toolkits, blankets and kitchen sets are also being distributed. NDMA estimates some 720,000 houses have been damaged or destroyed. Food: More than half a million people have received food assistance through WFP and food partners. Additional warehouse facilities are being established, but many places are still accessible only by air. Saving livestock is critical to avoid longer-term food assistance needs. For more detailed information on the gaps, response and needs, please check the regular situation reports. |
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