Floods recede in Pakistan while devastation and disease impact millions

NEW YORK - Carol Forsloff - “There is a triple threat unfolding as this crisis widens and deepens.
People have lost seeds, crops and their incomes leaving them vulnerable
to hunger, homelessness and desperation."



Anthony Lake ofUNICEF
and Josette Sheeran of WFP have underlined the terrible threat of
hunger and disease, and in the words above made their call following a
joint visit to operations in the Muzzafargarh district of Punjab, one of
the worst affected parts of the country.


As the world relief organizations plead for relief for millions of
Pakistanis, the national news in the United States shows little or
nothing.  A reader asked Green Heritage News if the problem was all
over.


The floods have begun to recede, leaving in their wake what
international agencies have declared is an immeasurably severe crisis.
In fact, these same authorities declare that the lack of interest in the
developed countries, relative to the problem, may increase sentiments
that are anti-West in the country.


Lake and Sheeran continue with their request for donations of money to
international relief agencies such as the World Food Program and the
World Health Organization.  They continue,  "The situation is extremely
critical. We urgently need continued and strengthened commitment to the
people of Pakistan in this time of crisis.”


In the meantime, the World Heath Organization outlines the fact the
flood crisis in Pakistan has affected over 15 million people.  It is
estimated approximately six million are in desperate need of
humanitarian services.  Access to health care has been made more
difficult by the rains and flood waters that have damaged medical
facilities and supplies.

WHO is at the
head of the time, coordinating health efforts in Pakistan.  They, in
conjunction with other relief agencies, have already delivered medical
supplies, and thousands of people have been treated for water-borne
diseases, such as diarrhoea, skin infections, acute respiratory
illnesses and malaria.

Vaccination
programs are also underway to prevent the increase of diseases.  Health
services are working with people to help them receive not only treatment
for physical conditions but psychosocial health concerns as well.

Health care in the worst-affected areas are being established.  Food is being delivered by other agencies.

But the problem
caused by the devastating floods and rains is far from over, with
officials declaring it is almost beyond comprehension.

This photo gallery shows the impact of the floods, health problems resulting from it and some of the medical response.