Pakistan: In view of the outbreak of water-borne diseases in the areas affected by the recent floods in Pakistan, the authorities have stepped up efforts to provide clean drinking water to the people. People in relief camps set up across the country by the government are getting affected by diarrhoea, skin diseases and eye infections. According to a report released by the health authorities, Sindh, one of the most affected provinces, has reported more than 90,000 cases of diarrhoea in the last 24 hours.
A day earlier, Pakistan and the World Health Organization (WHO) had expressed concern over the spread of water-borne diseases among flood-affected people. Pakistan has cited climate change as the main reason for the early monsoon and heavy rains. The flash floods since June have killed 1191 people and affected 3.3 crore people. About 10 lakh houses have also been damaged. Flood waters are receding in most parts of the country, but many districts in the southern part of Sindh province are yet to recuperate.
Nearly five lakh people displaced by the floods are living in relief camps. Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said that thousands of medical camps have been set up in the flood-affected areas in the province for the treatment of the affected people. Mobile medical units have also been deployed. The WHO has said it is increasing surveillance for diarrhoea, cholera and other infectious diseases and providing medical supplies to health centres. Doctors say that initially most of the patients were shocked by the floods. But, now thousands of people suffering from diarrhoea, skin infections and other waterborne diseases are getting treatment. Many pregnant women living in flood-affected areas also faced the risk.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), 6.4 million flood-affected people in Pakistan are in need of humanitarian aid. The UNPF said around 6,50,000 pregnant women in flood-affected areas need maternal health services, of whom 73,000 are expected to deliver next month. Meanwhile, the rescue team with the support of the Army continued the operation to rescue the stranded people. Rescue teams are mostly using boats, but helicopters are also flying to rescue stranded people from areas where bridges and roads have been destroyed.
A few days ago, Pakistan and the United Nations appealed for $160 million in aid to Pakistan as an emergency fund. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday tweeted but thanked the United Arab Emirates for giving the first tranche of relief goods worth $50 million. He also thanked the US for announcing $30 million in aid. So far, several countries including Turkey, China, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have sent consignments of relief material to help the flood victims in Pakistan. According to initial official estimates, the flood caused $10 billion in damage.
