ISLAMABAD (Nov. 1, 2010) – One hundred days after the devastating floods in Pakistan, the approaching winter, the looming threat of water-borne disease and the floodwaters still covering parts of the country are clear indications that the “catastrophe is far from over”, says Waleed Rauf, Country Director of CARE International in Pakistan.
CARE is increasing its emergency relief activities that have reached more than 150,000 people since the onset of the worst floods in Pakistan’s history.
The flooding and standing water have unleashed a wave of illnesses, ranging from acute diarrhea, skin diseases, respiratory infections, malaria and dengue fever. Cholera was recently reported, raising the spectre of an outbreak of water-borne disease.
“It’s critical to ensure people have safe drinking water. We can’t let down our guard for a second,” said Rauf. “CARE has installed two water cleaning plants in the northwestern part of country, producing thousands of litres of safe water to reduce the risk of the spread of water-borne disease."
Flood survivors, returning home to destroyed houses, ruined crops and dead livestock, are "still facing the costs of this devastating catastrophe," Rauf said. In the southern province of Sindh, five districts remain under floodwater. More than seven million displaced people are still in desperate need of emergency shelter, and government authorities estimate it could take up to six months for some areas to dry out.
Shelter is also a high priority in advance of an expected cold winter in the north. Winter in the northern regions of the county is extremely harsh, with snowfall up to six feet in some areas. Blankets, bedding, warm clothing and durable winter tents, like those CARE is distributing, are critical to ensure people can survive.
“The catastrophe for the people of Pakistan is far from over," said Rauf. “After 100 days, we’ve made progress, but in a disaster of this magnitude, people will continue to need assistance for months and years to come.”
CARE started delivering aid immediately after the floods hit. To date, CARE has distributed shelter materials and tents, food, hygiene kits and water purification supplies, and provided health care and hygiene sessions to more than 154,594 people.
