Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Freiburg (Agenzia Fides) – According to a provisional evaluation, there are still 870 victims of floods in Pakistan, particularly in the Punjab region.
Tens of thousands of people are still isolated from the rest of the country. These are the worst floods in Pakistan since 1929. According to a note sent to the Fides press office from Caritas Germany, based in Freiburg, it is expected that the people affected will need long-term aid, since much of the farmland is submerged under water and will not be able to be collected for some time.
Caritas has sent initial aid to affected populations. The staff of Caritas Pakistan is distributing food, tents and hygiene to 1,300 families; 3,000 people receive medical aid from the medical service of Caritas. Caritas International, the section for international aid of Caritas Germany, has provided about 50,000 euros for emergency aid programs in the region of Punjab.
The staff of Caritas Pakistan is particularly concerned about the situation in regions affected by floods. As reported by Eric Dayal, head of emergency aid of Caritas Pakistan, after his visit to the flooded areas, most of the homes have been destroyed by water. The inhabitants were forced to flee to the mountain regions. There is also fear for the spread of infectious diseases. To avoid an epidemic, Caritas has been working in the clinics that administer vaccines to the population, in collaboration with local authorities. (MS) (Agenzia Fides 08/02/2010)
