250,000 flood-affected people need help: UN

RAWALPINDI, Aug 29: The humanitarian situation in Balochistan and Sindh remains critical for an estimated 250,000 displaced people, two months after a cyclone hit the southern part of the country, says a new UN report.

There is a large number of people who are unable to return home because floodwaters have not receded. With extensive farmland still under water farming communities are unable to access their land to prepare for sowing in September, says the report released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (Unocha).

In addition, there have been extensive losses and damage to orchards, poultry and livestock, irrigation canals, water systems and village roads. Food shortages are expected to worsen if these communities are not supported.

The displaced people are also in substantial need of safe water, sanitation and basic health facilities and, in some areas, shelter. Foul stagnant water makes the internally displaced persons vulnerable to outbreaks of water- and vector-borne diseases and skin diseases are rife.

The report estimates that humanitarian assistance is needed for at least 2 to 3 months until the floodwaters recede. The absence of the traditional extended family support network for these families has made them particularly vulnerable and the severity of the storms weakened their usual coping mechanisms. Cash for work, livelihoods projects and return assistance will all be essential if a situation of long-term impoverishment is to be avoided.

A further 20,000 people are living in 22 formal (tented camps), mainly in Balochistan, and training is urgently needed for the local authorities and local NGOs on camp management and protection issues for women and young girls.

In addition, an estimated 25,000 people are living in 152 collective centres (schools, hospitals, government buildings), mainly in Sindh. This population is unable to return home due to the stagnant water levels. As a result, the schools did not reopen on time and the provincial authorities estimate this situation will continue for another 3 months.