Shelter kits arrive for Pakistan's flood victims
 Photo Essay: Nearly 400,000 displaced by floods
POSTED: Aug. 2, 2007
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Flooding has displaced more than 377,000 people and destroyed a total of 80,000 houses.
Families sit stranded along roadsides with no shelter from the intense sun or ongoing rain showers.
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By Staci Dennis
BALUCHISTAN, Pakistan - In response to extensive flooding from Cyclone Yemyin, Operation Blessing is providing massive relief efforts to thousands of displaced people.
On June 23, the storm made landfall and torrential rains poured over Baluchistan and Sindh provinces for four days. The floods claimed the lives of 319 people and 224 are still reported missing.
In addition, more than 377,000 people have been displaced and 80,000 houses were destroyed. In total, 2.5 million people have been impacted by this disaster.
"With thousands left homeless, shelter is a priority need for the suffering population," said OBI's David Darg, who is on the ground coordinating relief distributions. "Scores of families are camping along roadsides under the scorching sun in temperatures approaching 122 degrees."
OBI and German partner, Humedica, are providing "shelter kits" to those displaced by the floods. Each kit serves an average family of eight and includes eight tent poles, three large mats, a roll of plastic sheeting and rope.
In addition, families receive rice, milk powder, soap and mosquito nets to protect against a surging plague of mosquitoes and malaria.
Even though the waters have started to recede, the problems brought on by the flooding are still rising.
"Animal carcasses lie in pools of filthy water," Darg said, "and fields where crops once grew are now ponds of mud strewn with the remains of farmer's homes."
This is not the first time the region has seen massive flooding. In 1994, the area was so inundated with water, the flood defense barrier close to the Baluchi/Sindh border was tested to its limit.
This time, however, Cyclone Yemyin took the barrier beyond its limit and water breached the 12-foot wall. In some places the water reached a depth of 14 feet. Even a few weeks later, the water level in many areas is still at six feet deep.
"It is clear the worst is not over," Darg said.
How You Can Help
You can take part in helping Pakistan's displaced families and other victims of disasters by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief programs. With your support, OBI can continue to provide food, medical care and more to thousands of hurting people.
Please make an on-line donation today. Your donation will help us continue to provide lifesaving care to those who need it most.
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