Nowshehra (Pakistan), Aug. 16: Six million children are suffering from Pakistan’s devastating floods: lost, orphaned or stricken with diarrhoea, they are the most vulnerable victims of the nation’s worst-ever natural disaster.
At relief camps in government schools and colleges and in tent villages on the edge of towns and by roadways, children are prostate from the heat, sick from poor drinking water, or simply trying to find work.
UN Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki-moon, said millions had lost their livelihoods as he visited Pakistan on Sunday and witnessed “heart wrenching” scenes of destruction saying they were the worst floods he had ever seen. Pakistan says 20 million people have been hit by the floods.
“Many more are afraid their children and loved ones will not survive,” said Mr Ban.
The UNICEF fund is distributing high-energy biscuits to stave off malnutrition and other diseases.
Authorities on Monday warned of more floods as efforts were under way to save a major city in southern Pakistan.
Meteorological department chief, Mr Qamar-uz-Zaman Chaudhry said a second wave of floods on the Indus river has reached the southern province of Sindh and threatened the city of Jacobabad.