Massive floods across Pakistan | Thousands Killed

[sparklingway]

Important Phone Numbers: (please share more if you have any)

National Disaster Management Authority:
Lt. Col. Amer: 051-9205035, Cell: 0321 9552474,
Idrees Mehsud: 051-9215391, Cell: 0302-8518707
Muhammad Bilal: 051-9204429, Cell: 0302-8518705
Bushra Hasaan: 051–9203668, Cell: 0300-5126200
Hassan Zulfiqar: 051-9207066, Cell: 0301-5262659
Amal Masud: 051-9215389, Cell: 0300-8569229
Syed Sibt-e-Abbas: 051-9215338, Cell: 0332-5141946
Shahida Arif: 051-9208825, Cell: 0333-5081446

Flood Control Rooms:
DG Khan: 0649260346
Muzaffargarh: 0669200257
Rajan Pur: 0604689288
Bhakkar: 04539200082
Mianwali: 0459920158
Layya: 0606413715
Gudu, Sakhar, Kotri Beraj: 0715612432

Provincial Disaster Management Authorities:

PDMA Sindh: 021-99251458 / 9
Badeen: 0297-862384
Ghotki: 0723-651628
Hyderabad: 022-920097
Dadu: 025-9200276
Jacobabad: 0722-653999
Matiari: 0222-760929
Khairpur: 0243-9280200
Jamshoro: 0223-871946
Sukkur: 071-9310601
Umerkot : 0238-570700
Larkana 074-9410337
Shikarpur: 0726-920200
Kishmore: 0722-570901-2
Tando Allahyar: 0223-892908
Thatta: 0298-920063
Shahdadkot: 0741-9410353
Nawabshah: 0242-448281
Naushahro Feroze: 0242-448281
Tando Muhammad Khan: 0223-340283

 

[Vinod2070]

Climate change is real, and the current situation in Pakistan is just a preview of what's to come in the region and other parts of the world.

In terms of its eco capacity, India is among the most overpopulated countries in the world, and the impact of climate change in India will likely be worse than other nations in Asia with the possible exception of Bangladesh.

India is ranked 33rd and Pakistan 39th among the most overcrowded nations of the world by Overpopulation Index published by the Optimum Population Trust based in the United Kingdom. The index measures overcrowding based on the size of the population and the resources available to sustain it.

According to LA Times, Bundelkhand region in central India is among the nation's most impoverished areas, and the problem is exacerbated by climate change and environmental mismanagement, they say, suggesting that ecological degradation and global warming are changing human life in more ways than just elevated sea levels and melting glaciers.

"Before, a bad year would lead to a good year," said Bharat Dogra, a fellow at New Delhi's Institute of Social Sciences specializing in the Bundelkhand region. "Now climate change is giving us seven or eight bad years in a row, putting local people deeper and deeper in debt. I expect the situation will only get worse."

An estimated 200,000 Indian farmers have ended their lives since 1997, including many in this area, largely because of debt.

A 2007 study of 13 Bundelkhand villages found that up to 45% of farming families had forfeited their land, and in extreme cases some were forced into indentured servitude. Tractor companies, land mafia and bankers routinely collude, encouraging farmers to take loans they can't afford, a 2008 report by India's Supreme Court found, knowing they'll default and be forced to sell their land.

What is needed now is a special climate change fund accessible by nations and peoples who will inevitably be the victims of the impact of quickening climate change in the next several decades.

In the meanwhile, people of goodwill around the world should do what they can by contributing funds through established charities, or by volunteering to alleviate the extraordinary suffering of over 14 million Pakistanis ravaged by the great deluge of this century.

Haq's Musings: Climate Change Worsens Poverty in India

Haq's Musings: South Asia's Declining Resources, Rising Consumption

Are you out of mind!

Indulging in the same mindless copy-paste job without even understanding whether it is related to the topic, even on a thread about Pakistan's tragedy.

And promoting that pathetic blog.

Even when asking for charity in the name of "extraordinary suffering of over 14 million Pakistanis ravaged by the great deluge of this century", some bigots can't leave out taking cheap potshots.

And revelling in other people's supposed misery while begging for aid.

What a pathetic cheap mind!

 

[Ras]

Climate change is real, and the current situation in Pakistan is just a preview of what's to come in the region and other parts of the world.

In terms of its eco capacity, India is among the most overpopulated countries in the world, and the impact of climate change in India will likely be worse than other nations in Asia with the possible exception of Bangladesh.

India is ranked 33rd and Pakistan 39th among the most overcrowded nations of the world by Overpopulation Index published by the Optimum Population Trust based in the United Kingdom. The index measures overcrowding based on the size of the population and the resources available to sustain it.

According to LA Times, Bundelkhand region in central India is among the nation's most impoverished areas, and the problem is exacerbated by climate change and environmental mismanagement, they say, suggesting that ecological degradation and global warming are changing human life in more ways than just elevated sea levels and melting glaciers.

"Before, a bad year would lead to a good year," said Bharat Dogra, a fellow at New Delhi's Institute of Social Sciences specializing in the Bundelkhand region. "Now climate change is giving us seven or eight bad years in a row, putting local people deeper and deeper in debt. I expect the situation will only get worse."

An estimated 200,000 Indian farmers have ended their lives since 1997, including many in this area, largely because of debt.

A 2007 study of 13 Bundelkhand villages found that up to 45% of farming families had forfeited their land, and in extreme cases some were forced into indentured servitude. Tractor companies, land mafia and bankers routinely collude, encouraging farmers to take loans they can't afford, a 2008 report by India's Supreme Court found, knowing they'll default and be forced to sell their land.

What is needed now is a special climate change fund accessible by nations and peoples who will inevitably be the victims of the impact of quickening climate change in the next several decades.

In the meanwhile, people of goodwill around the world should do what they can by contributing funds through established charities, or by volunteering to alleviate the extraordinary suffering of over 14 million Pakistanis ravaged by the great deluge of this century.

Haq's Musings: Climate Change Worsens Poverty in India

Haq's Musings: South Asia's Declining Resources, Rising Consumption

That study puts India is a really good position compared to a lot of the developed countries...Japan,UK etc. Even China I think was placed ahead of India there.
And for reference the US comes in at 35.

http://www.optimumpopulation.org/overpopulationindex.pdf

I guess you copy pasted reports from various sources to put your slant to it?

 

[Ras]

Agreed. But the gap can only be bridged when you offer help with respect and we accept it with respect.

This aspect is missing here.

So better you should not offer and we should not accept or expect.

The Americans despite their bashing every now and then by Pakistanis, are helping us alot and have pledged 76m $ for flood victims but i have NOT seen Americans are using this as a publicity tool. Unlike you guys and the number of people browsing this thread proves otherwise

And there are many forums where Americans are blasting the government for offering any aid to Pakistan. So I guess you have a problem accepting American aid too?

I guess sitting in front of a computer engaging in internet battles and massaging internet ego does not cost a thing.

 

[iPhone]

During Pakistan's massive earthquake in October 2005, India sent three consignments of relief material like tents, blankets medicines etc. For the first time ever, IAF planes landed in Islamabad to deliver relief material.

But afterwards, officials reported that Pakistani authorities had ripped off `made in India' labels from relief material before distributing them, because it was easier to believe that India had not helped out during the earthquake. India had also made a cash contribution to Pakistan's relief efforts, but Pakistan never used it, which led to a feeling of rejection in the Indian side

what nonsense is this? how can India possibly claim that their labels were ripped off by the Pakistanis? which officials is TOI talking about here? Indian or Pakistani? Indian guys came dropped the relief good off and went on their way, were they there to witness Pakistani authorities rip off made in india labels? this is so much crap from Indian side. You dont wanna help fine, but dont come up with these made up nonsense of "ungratefullness".

 

[SekrutYakhni]

I am really worried about the victims.

 

[SekrutYakhni]

I have heard that UN Sec Gen is visiting Pakistan?
I am really worried about the victims!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why us, mother nature?
We can't blame nature for it because we lack proper infrastructure. Like seasonal canals, dams etc
Nevertheless, the devastation was unprecedented.

 

[alibaz]

I am really worried about the victims!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why us, mother nature?
We can't blame nature for it because we lack proper infrastructure. Like seasonal canals, dams etc
Nevertheless, the devastation was unprecedented.

Sir you are right, we cant blame nature. we need to see what disorders we have created in our environment which lead to such calamities.

Are we producing grain which we require?
Can our resources support our population?
do we maintain such a society where everyone or at least a large majority is treated equally?
Do we have a balanced system for distribution of wealth?
Do we maintain a good social justice system?
Do we trust our own knowledge about religion or we are dependent on few mullahs?
Do we take majority of decisions in public interest or basing on vested interest?
Are we really willing to at least protest against excess committed against us?


Brother there can be number of other questions which indicate disorders and if you analyse you will find roots of our problem in same questions. Do remember nature can take on a certain degree of disorders and then it takes its own course that can be ruthless

 

[SekrutYakhni]

Sir you are right, we cant blame nature. we need to see what disorders we have created in our environment which lead to such calamities.

Are we producing grain which we require?
Can our resources support our population?
do we maintain such a society where everyone or at least a large majority is treated equally?
Do we have a balanced system for distribution of wealth?
Do we maintain a good social justice system?
Do we trust our own knowledge about religion or we are dependent on few mullahs?
Do we take majority of decisions in public interest or basing on vested interest?
Are we really willing to at least protest against excess committed against us?


Brother there can be number of other questions which indicate disorders and if you analyse you will find roots of our problem in same questions. Do remember nature can take on a certain degree of disorders and then it takes its own course that can be ruthless

We need treeees!!! No to deforestation!

 

[Moin91]

Diseases pose new risks in Pakistan flood crisis​

Friday, 13 Aug, 2010

SUKKUR: Disease outbreaks pose new risks to victims of Pakistan's worst floods in decades, aid agencies said on Friday, potentially hindering already complicated relief efforts.

The floods, triggered by torrential monsoon downpours, have engulfed Pakistan's Indus river basin, killing more than 1,600 people, forcing two million from their homes and disrupting the lives of about 14 million people, or eight per cent of the population.

Although waters have receded in some areas, fresh rains could bring new destruction, and a health crisis would tax aid agencies already facing huge logistical challenges.

The United Nations is increasingly concerned about water-borne diseases. There are 36,000 suspected cases of potentially fatal acute watery diarrhoea reported so far.

At least 96 health facilities have been damaged across the country.

“This is a growing concern. Therefore we are responding with all kinds of preventative as well as curative medication...for outbreaks,” said Maurizio Giuliano, the UN humanitarian operation spokesman told Reuters.

The floods have roared down from the northwest to the Punjab agricultural heartland to the southern Sindh province, where new floods are possible.

The UN's World Food Programme said there have been reports of diarrhoea but the problem was not widespread, although it's still cause for concern. “The situation is alarming,” spokesman Amjad Jamal said.

The deluge, which began two weeks ago, has caused extensive damage to the country's main crops, agriculture officials said, after the United Nations appealed for $459 million in emergency aid and warned of a wave of deaths if help didn't arrive.

Increasing desperation could lead to social unrest and pile more pressure on the government, which has already been heavily criticised for its perceived lacklustre response to the floods.

“There is a huge need for food. All over the country crowds are in need of food,” said Giuliano.

Economy hammered

Entire villages have been swallowed up. Fertile lands have been destroyed, stripping farmers of their livelihood. Bridges have collapses. People desperate to keep their livestock walk neck deep in water, pulling the animals along.

The International Monetary Fund has warned of major economic harm and the Finance Ministry said the country would miss this year's 4.5 per cent gross domestic product growth target though it was not clear by how much.

Wheat, cotton and sugar crops have all suffered damage.

Agriculture is a mainstay of the economy and the United Nations has estimated rehabilitation will cost billions of dollars.

“On the downside, crops could have suffered damage and food inflation will soar. There may be severe shortages too and riots could well break out,” said independent economist Meekal Ahmed.

“The power shortage which has crippled industry could get worse. Exports would be hit as well.”

Cholera would create another major crisis and determining if there has been an outbreak is difficult.

“Acute watery diarrhoea is on the rise but we have limited access to some of the areas. The access is hampering our efforts to reach and attend to these cases,” said Dr. Irshad Sheikh, regional adviser for emergency preparation and humanitarian access for the World Health Organisation.

“You don't have access to labs in those areas so cannot confirm if it is actually cholera.”

President Asif Ali Zardari has just started what appears to be damage control by visiting flood victims after drawing heavy criticism for leaving for meetings with European leaders the disaster unfolded and not cutting his trip short.

Zardari said he had worked to secure international aid for the flood victims during his trip.

Giuliano said the floods have affected about one third of Pakistan “at one point or another”.

“It doesn't mean it's under water. It's a huge area. It's an area bigger than some European countries,” he said.

A flood affected girl carries bottles of drinking water in a camp in Nowshera, August 12. — Photo by AP

DAWN.COM | Pakistan | Diseases pose new risks in Pakistan flood crisis

 

[r3alist]

can we get a few things clear

direct aid in the form of supplies>>>>>>>>>a pledge of money


so posting a few bar charts is pointless, i would much prefer to see direct help, thanks.

also, if the indians are sincere about help i suggest donating some helicopters, food supplies, or any other hard ware

at the end of the day you are our neighbors and therefore in one of the best positions to help us, so maybe stop the self congratulation over a cheque - this is just a thought

 

[Jiya seher]

I am really worried about the victims.

@saad all ov us our worried about that but its time to be united and do something for our country ............. i want that all youth should be united my aim in life is this to make a forum where Pakistani youth work together and makes Pakistan prosperous

 

[Jiya seher]

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/08/continuing_pakistani_floods.html

 

[Xeric]

Pakistan Army Rescues 75,000: Army troops provides cooked food at relief camps | Pakistan Daily

Pakistan Army Rescues 75,000: Army troops provides cooked food at relief camps

Posted by (Author ) Headlines, Local, Pakistan Saturday, August 14th, 2010

In continuation of relief and rescue operations under taken by Army troops of Pano Aqil Garrison have accelerated the activities keeping in view the latest flood situation at the Northern reaches of river Indus.

Till today Army have rescued more than Seventy five thousand people from flood inundated areas (which includes Kashmore, Ghotki,Jacobabad,Shikarpur, Qambar, Larkana, Sukkur areas) and brought to safe places. The rescue operations are conducted through boats7 helicopters and vehicles.

The challenge placed in front of troops is toc- much demanding and difficult. Nevertheless the dedicated, enthusiastic’ troops are committed to shoulder the responsibility under tough weather and trying conditions, says an ISPR press release.

Besides rescue operations, Army troops have provided cooked food at relief camps, Medical Battalion of Pano Aqil Garrison is also providing immediate medical care to the marooned populace. Troops of Army Engineers Corps along with irrigation departments and other civil elements are also committed in stone pitching, re-strengthening banks of Reny canal and other banks along river Indus.

Later evening a detail meeting and coordination was carried out by General Officer Commanding Pano Aqil Garrison, Major General Nasrullah Tahir Dogar with National Highways authorities. They ensured the running of the National Highways in all eventualities to make the National communication asset serving.

General Officer Commanding Pano Aqil Garrison. Major General Nasrullah Tahir Dogar inspected the troops busy in flood duties all along river Indus and major towns. He urged the troops to be on fore front and put their best for this daunting National cause. The press release concluded.

 

[Hyde]

Continuing Pakistani floods

The United Nations has now estimated that Pakistan will need billions of dollars to recover from its worst floods in 80 years - further straining a country already dependent on foreign aid to prop up its economy and back its war against Islamist militants. Over 60,000 troops are involved in flood relief operations trying to assist nearly 14 million people who are now affected by the flooding. The U.N. has just launched an appeal for $459 million in immediate aid, as Pakistanis have become more frustrated with their government's response and President Asif Ali Zardari's trip to Europe. [This entry is part II of a double-issue today, part I about Russia here] Collected here are recent photographs of Pakistanis as they continue to cope with their flooded country. [See previous entry]. (36 photos total)

with their flooded country. [See previous entry]. (36 photos total)
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/08/continuing_pakistani_floods.html

A man marooned by flood waters, alongside his livestock, waves towards an Army helicopter for relief handouts in the Rajanpur district of Pakistan's Punjab province on August 9, 2010. (REUTERS/Stringer)

2
Pakistani city Mehmud Kot is submerged in floodwater near Multan, Pakistan on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010. (AP Photo/Khalid Tanveer) #

3
Nadia, who do not know her age, sits alongside siblings after they were rescued from rising floodwaters in Baseera, a village located in the Muzaffargarh district of Pakistan's Punjab province, August 10, 2010. (REUTERS/Adrees Latif) #

4
Pakistani villagers stand on the remains of a bridge washed away by heavy flooding in Bannu in northwest Pakistan on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010. (AP Photo/Ijaz Mohammad) #

5
Pictures taken from US rescue helicopter shows the flooded area of Kallam valley on August 9, 2010. (FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images) #

6
A girl floats her brother across flood waters whilst salvaging valuables from their flood ravaged home on August 7, 2010 in the village of Bux Seelro near to Sukkur, Pakistan. (Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images) #

7
A Pakistan Army soldier rests between air rescue operations on August 9, 2010 in the Muzaffargarh district in Punjab, Pakistan. (Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images) #

8
Flood victims awaiting rescue wave down a helicopter from a top a roof in Muzaffargarh district of Pakistan's Punjab province August 7, 2010. Pakistanis desperate to get out of flooded villages threw themselves at helicopters on Saturday as more heavy rain was expected to intensify both suffering and anger with the government. The disaster killed more than 1,600 people and disrupted the lives of 12 million. (REUTERS/Adrees Latif) #