Thousands flee as floods threaten historic Pakistan town of Thatta

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.

— 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