World Vision responds to Pakistan floods
World Vision is working to reach survivors following devastating floods in north-west Pakistan.
Unprecedented monsoon rains have triggered flash floods, killing at least 1,100 people and affecting around 1.5 million.
World Vision is working to distribute basic relief items, including food and water, and is scaling up its work to reach thousands of affected people with shelter and food programmes.
Access is a major challenge to the relief and rescue effort as roads are blocked and bridges have been washed away.
Children
World Vision’s Shaharyar Bangash, who has spent four days in the flood zone assessing the needs and coordinating World Vision's response, described roadsides littered with dead animals and increasingly desperate families: "Drinking water is the most urgent need now, even more than food.
“Children have been wearing the same muddy clothes for three days now, and many of them have visible skin diseases. Between rains, the sun and heat add to their misery.
“Families are also struggling to bury their dead, as there is no dry land to bury them."
Poverty
The floods have hit fairly remote areas of Pakistan, where there are high levels of poverty. Thousands of mud houses have been washed away, leaving communities seeking refuge on higher ground and along roadsides and rooftops.
Children and women who are affected by poor health and unhygienic conditions are most at risk, the aid group warns.
There are fears that waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera will spread among the homeless.
Flooding has also caused significant losses to livestock and agricultural crops. With more rain expected in the next few days, the long-term recovery of livelihoods is a concern.
World Vision Ireland is appealing to supporters to donate to its online emergency appeal.
World Vision has worked in Pakistan since 1992, and has more than 150 staff members there.
