Pakistan Hit by Severe Floods

The immediate water damage is causing havoc, the floods have inundated crop-producing areas, dealing a crippling blow to the agricultural-based economy and threatening a food crisis. The Pakistani government now struggles to rescue and provide aid to millions - while still fighting with militant Islamist forces in many of the hardest-hit regions.

A challenge when rescuing inhabitants is the poor cadastre situation. People tend to stick to their grounds in fear of loosing their rights, and property, when they return as it may be claimed by others.

Oxfam is aiming to reach around 650,000 people with clean water, sanitation kits and hygiene supplies. The aid organisation is appealing for USD6 million to help people get through the immediate days and weeks and to boost recovery over the long-term.

Fazl Maula Zahid, a regional manager at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Swat, said 100,000 acres of soil along the Swat River had been washed out. He said it would take up to 10 years to restore the fertility of this critical area that feeds 50,000 people.