Pakistan bids to evacuate 500,000 in flood-risk areas
The United Nations rushed a top envoy to Pakistan to mobilise international support and address the urgent plight of millions affected by torrential monsoon rains across the volatile country that have killed around 1,500.
The disaster is now into its second week and the rains are spreading into Pakistan’s most populous provinces of Punjab and Sindh, as anger mounts against the government response after villages and farmland were washed away.
In Sindh, authorities warned that major floods were expected tomorrow and Sunday in fertile agricultural areas along the Indus river.
The military said 25,000 people had been evacuated in parts of the province while the local government put the number at 150,000.
“We have a target evacuation of at least 500,000 people who live in 11 most vulnerable districts,” said provincial irrigation minister Jam Saifullah Dharejo, saying many towns and villages were in danger.
Maurizio Giuliano, a spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said rising water levels could pose a threat to Sukkur Barrage.
Further north in Punjab, an AFP reporter saw a mass exodus of people streaming out of flooded villages, wading barefoot through water or cramming belongings on to donkey carts or into cars under heavy rains.
By Sarah Stack
SPECIALIST volunteers are ready to be deployed to Pakistan to help victims of the devastating floods rebuild their lives, it was revealed yesterday.
Junior Minister Peter Power revealed that members of the Irish Rapid Response Corps are on standby to take the lead in areas such as logistics, engineering and public health.
Mr Power, Minister of State for Overseas Development, raised concern for victims and sympathised with those who have lost family and friends in the disaster.
“Recent flooding in Pakistan has destroyed tens of thousands of homes and impacted the lives of almost three million people,” said Mr Power.
“Our thoughts go out to those who have lost loved ones in the flooding as well as to the people who have to face the aftermath of such devastation.
“Through our support for the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund and through pre-positioned funds with Trócaire, Ireland is already responding to the needs of affected people.
“I have also placed our Rapid Response Corps on standby in case they are needed.”
Irish Aid also has pre-positioned emergency supplies such as tents, blankets and water and sanitation equipment in depots around the globe which can be called upon.
