Millions affected by Pakistan floods

Severe flooding in Pakistan has affected more than three million people and killed at least 1,400, the United Nations Children’s Fund announced on Tuesday.

A spokesman said that 1.3 million people in the northwest were particularly hard hit, triggering a flood of criticism directed at the government.

Many of the victims, who have lost their homes and livelihoods, say that there were no official warnings.

The nation has experienced the heaviest monsoon rains in memory and more rain is expected. Officials expect the death toll to rise.

Aid agencies are scheduled to meet Pakistani authorities on Tuesday to decide whether to seek international help.

The biggest problem is providing the flood victims with clean drinking water. Switzerland has sent water, food and tents according to a spokesman for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched a preliminary international appeal for SFr17,008,050 ($16,333,000) in support of emergency relief activities undertaken by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society.

Meanwhile, the Swiss branch of the Salvation Army has provided SFr30,000 ($28,895) in immediate aid and is collecting additional funds to help the victims.

swissinfo.ch and agencies