News
Friday, September 23, 2011
Two million sick from floods: NDMA* Spokesman says there is no major break-out of any epidemic
ISLAMABAD: Two million Pakistanis have fallen ill from diseases since monsoon rains left the southern region under several feet of water, the country’s disaster authority said on Thursday.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Zafar Qadir, on Thursday, said that more than 550,000 people had been rendered homeless in Sindh due to devastating floods.
Addressing a press conference NDMA chief said that the flood water may take two months to be drained out from districts of Thatha and Badin of Sindh. Pakistani Tennis Star Aisamul Haq Qureshi also accompanied NDMA chairman in the press conference.
Aisam told the newsmen that the world renowned tennis stars have donated their rackets and their other belongings for the flood victims of the country.
“Over five million people are in camps and we need an immediate supply of tents to accommodate all of them,” Zafar Qadir told the media persons, adding that Japan has sent 3,500 tents so far.
“In some areas, diseases also spread out because of dead animals but there is no major break-out of any epidemic,” Bhatti added, calling for the donation of mosquito nets and medicines to help the aid effort.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said there is a desperate shortage of clean drinking water in the south. The UN’s children agency has pledged to distribute 200,000 litres (50,000 gallons) of water to 40,000 people daily and deploy 40 more water tankers soon, to avert further disease.
Calling on the international community to step in to help once more, the UN and Islamabad on Sunday jointly issued an emergency funding appeal for $357 million for emergency rescue and relief efforts. So far only the Japanese government has declared a pledge, of 10 million dollars, the UN said.
World Food Programme (WFP) Communication Officer Amjad Jamal said, “WFP has continue the process of distribution of ration in four districts. staff report/afp
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk