Twelve million affected by floods in Pakistan

http://timesofearth.com/Worldnews/?NT=0&nid=25805 ISLAMABAD -- Pakistani officials says 14 million people have been affected by floodwaters that have ravaged the northwest and now are sweeping southward, forcing thousands more to flee their homes. The latest estimation is sharply higher than the 4.5 million people officially said to be affected by the worst flooding in more than 80 years. National Disaster Management Authority chairman Nadim Ahmed said Friday some 650,000 homes have been destroyed in the northwestern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and central Punjab provinces. The water is now flowing into the southern province of Sindh, where authorities have so far evacuated more than 500,000 people. United Nations officials say 11 districts are at risk of flooding, as heavy monsoon rains continue. The nearly two-week disaster has killed more than 1,500 people. Floodwaters have washed away homes, roads, and bridges, cutting off entire communities Many Pakistanis are criticizing what they say is a slow government response, as well as President Asif Ali Zardari's decision to travel to Europe during the floods. In a televised address to the nation Friday, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani appealed for international aid as the country deals with the "worst floods of its history. Mr. Gilani said the loss of human life and infrastructure has been "colossal." U.N. officials say relief and rescue efforts have been hampered by poor weather conditions, with helicopters in the northwestern Swat Valley grounded on Friday. The flooding has destroyed crops and farmland in Punjab province and other areas, heightening fears of a food shortage. The World Food Program said Friday it was preparing to provide food assistance to some 2.5 million flood victims for three months, after delivering rations to more than 200,000 in the worst hit areas. Islamic charities, some with ties to extremist groups, are also assisting with relief efforts. ---------- Copyright 2010 THE TIMES OF EARTH All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.