Monday, August 02, 2010

Pakistan flooding could bring health problems

Flooding in Pakistan could cause a major health catastrophe. Oxfam warns that the survivors of the flooding need clean water and toilets right away to prevent diseases.

Over 1,100 people have perished in the Pakistan flooding which has washed away entire villages. The flooding also swept away grain storage and animals that farmers depended on for food.

From Sky News via Yahoo, we read more about Oxfam statement on the need in Pakistan. OXFAM is an international Non-Governmental Organization that operates advocacy, education and emergency assistance programs to help those in poverty.

Oxfam humanitarian director Jane Cocking said the full extent of the disaster was only just becoming clear.

"This is a flood on a scale we have not seen in decades in Pakistan and requires an aid effort of equal measure," she said.

"People in the flood's wake were already desperately poor and what little possessions they had have been washed away.

"The extent of this crisis is only slowly emerging.

"The more villages that are reached, the grimmer the picture becomes.

"There is a desperate need for temporary shelter, clean drinking water and toilets to avert a public health catastrophe.

"People also need medical care and basic food items.

"We are looking at a sizeable aid package that will require a great deal of public support."

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