Thousands still in peril in Pakistan flood-hit Sindh

As many as 8.9 million people in 23 districts of Sindh province, Pakistan, are reeling from the monsoon rains, according to official figures of the National Disaster Management Authority.According to a news release issued by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), approximately 340,000 people remain in more than 1,100 camps or are being hosted by local residents. 'With no sustainable recovery in sight so far, people ultimately have to rely on humanitarian aid to survive. For many of them, there is very little chance of being able to get the food and clean water they need on their own,' said Peter Lick, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Karachi. 'Some people are still without shelter. Basic health and hygiene are also concerns as floodwaters stagnate and recede. Most people had not recovered from last year's devastating floods before disaster struck again.' As the crisis spread across the south of the country, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, working together with partners within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, stepped up its aid effort. It is now providing aid for over 465,000 people. Relief activities began in Badin, in the south of Sindh province, and gradually expanded to the 10 worst-affected districts. The ICRC has come forward to provide food and basic relief items for over 100,000 people in the flood-stricken districts of Badin, Thatta and Tharparker through the Pakistan Red Crescent. From the moment the floods began, providing a reliable supply of drinking water has been a major problem. Although the Pakistan Red Crescent has installed eight water treatment units, many flood victims do not yet have access to the clean water produced. For the time being, the only solution is to deliver clean water by truck in several flood-stricken cities. Given the seriousness of the situation, it could be necessary to continue to provide this service for another two months. Meanwhile, the ICRC has provided 1,300 tents and basic supplies for local Pakistan Red Crescent basic health units and mobile clinics in several flood-hit districts. Because the Pakistan Red Crescent maintains emergency stocks in all provinces, and the ICRC in Karachi, the emergency supplies arrived where they were needed quickly and in good condition. More than a year after the worst floods experienced by Pakistan in over 80 years, tens of thousands of people are still facing hardship in the areas of northern Sindh that were hardest hit. Not only did they lose their rice harvest to the floods, but they were also not able to grow a crop during the following wheat season. Between May and July 2011, the ICRC provided rice seed, fertilizer and tools as well as food to help people restart their agricultural production. This month, the ICRC started its final round of distributions of food and hygiene items for approximately 210,000 people to help them get through the harvest period and prepare for the next growing season.