Monday, August 16

2010 Pakistan floods


The 2010 Pakistan floods,
began in July 2010 after heavy monsoon rains, largely affecting the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. At least 1,600 people have been killed and more than 722,000 homes have been badly damaged or totally destroyed.The United Nations estimates over 20 million people are suffering with over 160,000 square kilometers(~1/5 of Pakistan) affected as a result of the flooding, exceeding the combined total of the affectees of 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Around a fifth of Pakistan's total land area was impacted by the flooding. UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon said that it was the worst disaster he had ever seen, and asked for an initial $460 million for emergency relief, 20% of which had been received as of August 15, 2010. Extensive damage to infrastructure and crops significantly harmed the struggling Pakistani economy.

Flooding

Satellite images of the upper Indus River valley comparing water-levels on August 1, 2009 (top) and July 31, 2010 (bottom)
Officials have warned that the death-toll could rise as many towns and villages are not accessible and communications have been disrupted. In some areas, the water-level was 5.5 m (18 ft) high and residents were seen on roof-tops waiting for aid to arrive.At least 1,588 people have been injured, 722,600 houses and 4,600 villages have been damaged or destroyed. The Karakoram Highway, which connects Pakistan with China, was closed after a bridge was destroyed. The ongoing devastating floods in Pakistan will have a severe impact on an already vulnerable population, says the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In addition to all the other damage they have caused, floodwaters have destroyed much of the healthcare-infrastructure in the worst-affected areas, leaving inhabitants especially vulnerable to water-borne disease. In Sindh, the Indus River burst its banks near Sukkur on August 8, submerging the village of Mor Khan Jatoi There is also an absence of law and order, mainly in Sindh. Looters have been taking advantage of the floods by ransacking abandoned homes using boats.
In early August, the heaviest flooding moved southward along the Indus River from severely-affected northern regions toward western Punjab, where at least 1,400,000 acres (570,000 ha) of cropland was destroyed, and the southern province of Sindh. The crops affected were cotton, sugarcane, rice, pulses, tobacco and animal fodder. Floodwaters and rain destroyed 700,000 acres (3,000 km2) of cotton, 200,000 acres (800 km2) acres each of rice and cane, 500,000 tonnes of wheat and 300,000 acres (1,000 km2) of animal fodder. According to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association, the floods destroyed 2 million bales of cotton, which led to increase in futures of the commodity in international market.
The power infrastructure of Pakistan also took a severe blow from the floods, which damaged 10,000 transmission lines, transformers, feeders and power houses in different flood hit areas. Flood water inundated Jinnah Hydro power and 150 power houses in Gilgit. The damage caused a power shortfall of 3,135 MW.
It has also been reported by International Red Cross that a large number of unexploded ordinance such as mines and artillery shells have been flushed down stream by the floods from areas in Kashmir and Waziristan and scattered in low lying areas, posing a future risk to returning inhabitants.
Aid agencies have warned that outbreaks of diseases, such gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and skin diseases due to lack of clean drinking water and sanitation can pose a serious new risk to victims of flood.[ On August 14, the first case of cholera emerged in the town of Mingora, as fear ran through millions of stranded victims of flood, who are already suffering from gastroenteritis and diarrhea.
On the direction of President Asif Ali Zardari, there were no official celebrations of 64th Independence Day on 14 August as the country faces calamity.

Pakistani authorities have predicted that fresh rainfall is expected to trigger further two waves of flooding, inundating more land and swallowing yet more villages. One of this new flood surge is currently sweeping down from mountainous areas in the north and expected to hit highly populated areas in the coming days, while the second wave is being formed in the mountains.
An article in the New Scientist[38] attributed the cause of the exceptional rainfall to "freezing" of the jet stream, a phenomenon that simultaneously also caused an unprecedented heat wave and wildfires in Russia as well as the 2007 United Kingdom floods in the past.
Some Pakistani commentators also said that the construction of dams on the Sutlej and Beas rivers by India had exacerbated the situation, claiming that India deliberately released water from the dams to increase flooding.
]Potential Long Term Effects

Food
Floods have submerged 17 million acres of Pakistan's most fertile crop land, killed 200,000 livestock and washed away massive amounts of grain. A major concern is that farmers will be unable to meet the fall deadline for planting new seeds as this year, meaning a massive loss of food production next year and lead to long term food shortages.The agricultural damages are more than 2.9 billion dollars according to the latest estimates and include over 700,000 acres of lost cotton crops, 200,000 acres of sugar cane and 200,000 acres of rice, in addition to the loss of over 500,000 tonnes of stocked wheat, 300,000 acres of animal fodder and the stored grain losses.
Relief efforts


This article needs reorganization to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. There is good information here, but it is poorly organized; editors are encouraged to be bold and make changes to the overall structure to improve this article. (August 2010)


A bridge damaged by the flooding
Pakistan has appealed to international donors for help in responding to the disaster. Twenty-one helicopters and 150 boats were pressed into service to assist the affected people according to the National Disaster Management Authority of Pakistan. The US embassy in Pakistan provided seven helicopters to the authorities to assist in relief-operations. The United Nations also launched relief efforts. It appealed for $460 million to provide immediate help, including food, shelter and clean water. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Pakistan on 15 August to oversee and discuss the relief efforts. A Pakistani army spokesman said that troops had been deployed in all affected areas and had rescued thousands of people. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani visited the province and directed the Pakistan Navy to help evacuate the flood-victims. By early August, more than 352,291 people have been rescued.

Response by national governments
Australia announced a A$10 million aid-package,[ as well as committing two C17 Globemaster aircraft to deliver emergency supplies and to assist relief efforts.
Azerbaijan embassy in Pakistan transferred its two-days’ salary worth around $2,000 to relief fund.The country will also give US$1 million financial assistance for helping the victims and eliminate the aftermath of the disaster.
Brazil donated US$ 0.7 million through World Food Programme or life-saving assistance to the affected.
Canada announced that it would donate $2 million worth of emergency aid. $750,000 are expected to be donated to the ICRC for distribution of shelter-materials and water, sanitation and health-services, while the remainder goes to the WFP to provide much-needed food-assistance. On August 14 the Canadian government announced an additional $32 million dollars in aid.
China initially announced that it would provide emergency aid worth 10 million yuan (approx. US$ 1.48 million ) to help the flood-victims. China was one of the first countries providing immediate aid to Pakistan in the aftermath of the floods. The People's Liberation Army donated another 10 million yuan to Pakistan.The Chinese Red Cross has also given US $50,000 in cash to Pakistan.The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan traveled to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and expressed his condolences to those affected by the tragedy. On August 13, China announced another emergency humanitarian aid worth 50 million yuan (US$7.35 million) bringing the total official Chinese relief aid to more than 70 million yuan to the flood-affected Pakistani people.
Denmark has donated 60 million DKK. ($10 million)
European Union released 10 million euros to help Pakistan's flood victims on 11 August, as part of emergency aid to flood-stricken country.
Finland government donated 1.2 million euros for humanitarian assistance to the flood victims. 600,000 euros were channeled through the World Health Organization, 400,000 euros through the UNHCR and 200,000 euros through Finn Church Aid.
Germany initially committed 1 million euros for the victims, which was further increased to 2 million euros on 6 August.[65] On 12 August, Germany announced a $13 million aid package.
Hong Kong has donated HK$ 3 million to World Vision for a relief project for flood victims in Pakistan.
India offered on 13 August US$ 6.8 million for provision of relief material for the victims of the massive floods.
Iran has committed over 400 tonnes of relief goods so far as of 14 August 2010 out of which 180 tonnes have already been delivered by the Iranian transport aircrafts. These goods include tents, floorings, clothes, canned food, bread and medical supplies. Iranian red crescent society has also been on the ground along with Pakistan red crescent society as a part of its ongoing relief operation inside Pakistan to more than 100,000 flood vicitms. In addition to the Iranian government help Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani has announced that one third of collected Khums will be donated to Pakistan for humanitarian assistance.Iran's chamber of commerce also donated US $1 million to the flood affectees.
Japan provided US$ 0.23 million for emergency relief goods, while additional assistance of up to US$3 million has been committed for the disaster aftermath.
Kuwait has also donated US $5 million to victims of the severe floods in Pakistan, according to Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS).
Malaysia has also announced aid of $1 million to help people in flood-hit Pakistan.
Nepal cabinet provided cash assistance of Rs 10 million for flood victims in Pakistan.
Nigeria also assisted Pakistan by donating US$ 1 million.
Norway facilitated relief operation by providing NOK 30 million. NOK 9 million were given to UN Central Emergency Response Fund, and NOK 21 million were allocated to UNICEF, Pakistan Emergency Response Fund (ERF), and Pakistan Red Crescent Society
Saudi Arabia released a statement announcing the establishment of an air-bridge to ferry relief-supplies to Pakistan. In total Saudi Arabia has allocated US $100 million for the relief-operation.
Sri Lanka dispatched 18 metric tons of relief goods worth approx US$ 3 million to Pakistan on a Sri Lankan Air Force C-130.The Health Ministry will also send will be in the 15 member special medical team to Pakistan.

Syria announced that it would send 35 tonnes of foodstuffs, medical supplies, medicines and many other necessary materials to help flood victims[
Turkey has donated US$ 5 million to Pakistan, in addition to 115 tonnes of humanitarian aid consisting of food packages, blankets, sleeping bags and beds delivered to Pakistan Red Crescent Society.
The United States has been at the forefront of the relief effort. United States stated that it would provide 56,000 ready meals on August 1 and 2, twelve temporary bridges and two water-filtration-plants to help the flood-victims as part of a US$10 million aid-pledge.Commenting on the floods, the United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, stated, "The Pakistani people are friends and partners, and the United States is standing with them as the tragic human toll mounts from flooding in northwest Pakistan." Hillary Clinton personally donated $10 for flood-relief in an effort to encourage people to donate, no matter how small the amount. On 10 August, US announced another $20 million to provide relief for the affected, taking the flood related aid from United States to US$ 55 million.On 11 August, US increased its assistance for flood-ravaged Pakistan to $ 71 million. Additionally, United States initially provided six US Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters from their duty in Afghanistan. On 12 August, it provided two more CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters to assist Pakistan Army in their relief efforts. The two helicopters are first of 19 helicopters that US Defense Secretary Robert Gates has urgently ordered for Pakistan in next few days.[10Senator John Kerry will also visit Pakistan in order to survey the damage from the disaster, and to raise US public awareness about Pakistani relief needs. On 13 August, US increased its aid to US $84 million as USS Peleliu gets ready to dispatch more helicopters pledged earlier by US Defense Secretary. In addition to this, the United States is providing $3 million to the World Health Organization to expand the capacity of Pakistan's Disease Early Warning System (DEWS) and to establish the first 15 treatment centers for water-borne illness. It is also working with the humanitarian community to spread awareness through radio stations regarding safety precautions against water-borne diseases.On 14 August, further two CH-53E Super Stallion and a MH-53E Sea Dragon arrived in Pakistan to work with Pakistan military in flood-affected areas.
World Bank provided US$ 1.3 million to Pakistani government for relief work. The bank has additionally announced a grant of US$ 900 million for medium and long term reconstruction.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also offered to discuss how to help Pakistan manage the economic impact of the floods.
Response by non-governmental organizations
Disasters Emergency Committee, an umbrella group of 13 UK charities reports that as of 14 August its flood-relief-appeal has so far raised £12 million and that its member agencies have distributed aid to more than 600,000 people.
Oxfam has currently providing clean water and hot meals to over 180,000 people. In total, Oxfam aims to reach around 900,000 people with clean water, sanitation kits and hygiene supplies.
Save the Children are using helicopters, donkeys and boats to deliver doctors and medical supplies to families cut off by the water. They've sent a medical team and medicines in on donkeys in Allai and treated more than one thousand patients currently and plan to distribute 800 shelter kits, including tarpaulins, jerry cans and plastic glasses, to flood-affected families.
Red Cross has dispatched food and shelter items for more than 100,000 people for distribution by Pakistan Red Crescent volunteers. In addition, medicines and medical supplies have been sent to Paroa Hospital in Dera Ismail Khan and to Bannu.
Humanity First, in collaboration with NCHD has dispatched over 500 tents as well as mattresses, blankets, floor mats, buckets and shoes. 350 water survival boxes have been provided in collaboration with the British Rotary charity WorldWaterWorks Limited. The local team is also preparing packs of non-perishable food to last a month for 1,000 families. The initial response package is for around 10,000 people, but response is expected to rise. Moreover, 3 medical camps have been set up which see 200 patients a day.
MERCY Malaysia has setup two clinics in the districts of Nowshera and Charsadda, each with a local doctor and three medical staff. It also sent a team on 12 August to support the clinics. The NGO donated five units of ultra-filtration water systems worth US$15,000 and donated US$40,000 worth of tents, food and drinking water.
CARE International has provided water purification tablets, tents, family hygiene kits, kitchen sets, tarpaulins and mosquito nets to thousands of survivors. Mobile and basic healthcare units have provided health services to around 4,500 people.
Islamic Relief is distributing 3,570 family hygiene kits in Nowshera and Mardan districts benefitting 24,990 people. Also it is distributing 2,850 household kits (containing mattresses, mosquito nets etc.) and 2,850 kitchen sets to benefit 19,950 people. Pakistani cricket star Shahid Afridi is working with the NGO in raising the aid for the disaster.
Muslim Charity has launched £750,000 appeal to help the victims of flood in Pakistan. Muslim Charity targets to benefit 45,000 people through its activities. Muslim Charity is providing food to 25,000 people for the month of Ramadan, clean drinking water to 10,000 people, medical facilities to 10,000 people through its 5 medical camps and shelter to 5,000 people. In its second phase of relief work; Muslim Charity targets to reconstruct 200 house in Pakistan.
Concern have helped 18,000 people and 6,400 people in Charsadda district have received emergency packages.
UNICEF has set up 24 medical camps in the affected areas, benefiting around one million people.
United Methodist Church's represenatives are on the ground with a project that within the week will purify more than 3.5 million liters of drinking water and benefit more than 73,000 people a day. The Methodist are also helping to bring food relief and emergency shelter to tens of thousands of Pakistanis affected by the flooding.
Pakistan Cricket Board and English Cricket Board are working together to organize a fundraiser exhibition match for the benefit of flood victims.
World Vision is currently providing clean water and food in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa province and is treating people at five health clinics. The agency plans to reach 150,000 people during the first 90 days with relief items including water purification packets, hygiene kits, tents, cooking items and food. It also aims to provide cash-for-work activities to 1,000 people, open additional health posts, set up 20 child-friendly spaces and 20 women-friendly spaces to provide a safe and comfortable environment for children and women to interact with peers and receive support. World Vision plans to expand these efforts as floodwaters recede and more communities become accessible.
Jama'at-ud-Da'wah stated that it had 2000 workers providing flood-relief.
Giving Children Hope will be distributing relief medical supplies and equipment to three medical centers and mobile medical clinics located in Peshawar, Pakistan, the capital of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province- one of the hardest hit by the flood. These relief supplies will be distributed to those who are living in temporary shelters and those already living in poverty. http://www.gchope.org/flood-in-pakistan.html
Criticism of response

The Pakistani government was blamed for sluggish and disorganized response to the floods. The perceived disorganized and insufficient response led to instances of riots, with attacks and looting of aid convoys by hunger-stricken people. The lack of a unified government response allowed Islamic groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamaat-e-Islami to supply aid with minimal resistance. President Asif Ali Zardari was also criticized for going ahead with visits to meet leaders in Britain and France at a time when his nation was facing catastrophe. In Sindh, the ruling Pakistan People's Party ministers were accused of using their influence to direct flood waters off their crops while risking densely populated areas.
The United Nations criticized the international community for responding slowly, despite the ferocity and magnitude of disaster. As of 9 August, only $45 million in aid had been committed, which is far less than usual for a natural disaster of this scale. In an analysis of the response to the disaster, The Guardian said that there was a dire need of relief goods in the immediate aftermath of the floods. It quoted the UN's humanitarian affairs co-ordination office, saying that "[s]ix million [of the 14 million affected] are children and 3 million women of child-bearing age. This is a higher figure than in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami."
China and India were initially criticized for their slow response to Pakistan's calls for aid.. It was described by The Diplomat as "aloof and blind to the tragedy affecting Pakistan."On 13 August, India offered to provide around $5 million in aid, as well as official condolences. Pakistan did not immediately accept the offer.
British Prime Minister David Cameron was accused by Pakistan of hampering international aid efforts after he claimed that Pakistan was responsible for promoting terrorism.
Some countries are doubting that either the funds will reach out to the needs or will get into the hands of the goverment which is seen to be corrupt even though aid is distributed by UN or International Charities.

(source:wikipedia)
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