10-20-2010, 04:31 PM
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 19 (APP): An area larger than the Netherlands - 50,000 square kilometers- has been ravaged by the devastating floods in Pakistan, with over 2.2 million hectares of crops lost, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Wednesday.In giving its latest estimates, OCHA said 20.2 million people have been affected by the floods in Pakistan, with 14 million in need of immediate humanitarian aid.Over 1.9 million homes have been destroyed or damaged and at least seven million people are currently without shelter, it said. Parts of Sind Province are still under water.
Throughout September and October, food rations have been supplied to an estimated 8.8 million people, according to OCHA. High-energy biscuits and Ready to Use Supplementary Food is being provided for around 2 million children.
Also, since the start of the response, essential medication has been provided to cover the potential health needs of 5.15 million people.
OCHA reports that the emergency shelter needs for an estimated 3.4 million people have been met, while 3.7 million people have access to clean water on a daily basis.
At the same time, the Office says, the Response Plan for Pakistan is still only 36% funded.
Meanwhile, UNICEF reported an increase in polio cases in Pakistan.
Seventy-eight polio cases have been reported among children, which is a 26 per cent increase over 2009 figures. UNICEF says its last immunization campaign in Pakistan reached more than 8.5 million children.
Throughout September and October, food rations have been supplied to an estimated 8.8 million people, according to OCHA. High-energy biscuits and Ready to Use Supplementary Food is being provided for around 2 million children.
Also, since the start of the response, essential medication has been provided to cover the potential health needs of 5.15 million people.
OCHA reports that the emergency shelter needs for an estimated 3.4 million people have been met, while 3.7 million people have access to clean water on a daily basis.
At the same time, the Office says, the Response Plan for Pakistan is still only 36% funded.
Meanwhile, UNICEF reported an increase in polio cases in Pakistan.
Seventy-eight polio cases have been reported among children, which is a 26 per cent increase over 2009 figures. UNICEF says its last immunization campaign in Pakistan reached more than 8.5 million children.