World | Pakistan
Thousands flee as floods threaten historic Pakistan town of Thatta
Children at risk of malnutrition and waterborne diseases, UN says
- By Naveed Ahmad, Correspondent
- Published: 00:00 August 29, 2010
- Image Credit: AP
- Pakistani villagers who left their homes due to the floods travel to a safer place in Sultan Kot, in southern Pakistan. Almost 17.2 million people have been hit by the floods.
Multan: Flood waters threatened to engulf a historic town in southern Pakistan on Saturday, a month after the disaster began, as the United Nations warned that tens of thousands of children risked death from malnutrition.
The raging water of the River Indus had broken its banks near Thatta — one of six World Heritage sites in Pakistan — compounding the danger.
A flood control official told Gulf News the surging water level of Hamal Lake also contributed to the floods. Tens of thousands of people have poured out of Thatta, a delta town, which normally has a population of about 300,000.
A National Highway spokesman told Gulf News road access to the city was clear but under serious threat due to the advancing waters.
Squadrons of relief helicopters were busy with full-scale operations in the district to minimise losses
Meanwhile, the UN said aid workers were becoming increasingly worried about disease and hunger among children.
Related Links
- In pictures: Floods in Pakistan
- Shelter and care at Pabbi High School
- Southern Sindh worst-affected
- Donations will reach Pakistan flood victims
- Floods breach another levee in Pakistan
- Death toll figure set to soar
- Thousands more flee their homes
- Greed robbing those in need
- Stranded people face a long wait for help
— With inputs from Reuters
Relief pledges
The Red Crescent Authority in the UAE has been at the forefront of relief efforts for Pakistan, initiating a campaign called "Ounokom" (your support), aired by ten TV stations. The campaign has been extended until Monday.
Donations reached Dh25m on the first day, Dh43m on the second day and grew to Dh72m on Sunday.
— Iman Sheriff, Staff Reporter
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