Pakistan update

20 million people affected by devastating floods in Pakistan. Rescuers are struggling to reach 27,000 people still cut off by the floods, which are the worst in 80 years. At least 1,100 people have died.

Yousuf Raza Gilani, the Pakistani prime minister, called for international aid. The disaster, he said, had spiralled beyond the government's capacity. "Millions of people have suffered and still there is more rain and further losses are feared. I appeal to the world to help us, we are doing what we can," Gilani told reporters.

Some of the media has focused on how poor the government response has been, but to be fair no authority could cope with this. Imagine an area the size of the UK flooded. I used to work for an Aid agency, I heard tales of the media showing up and taking all the available transport. So while reporting on failure they can contributre to it.

Local Labour ex Cllr Richard Mackenzie managed to get confused with the Earthquake five years ago. He refers to 'thousands of people being displaced' when its actually millions. Oh dear.


The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Pakistan Floods Appeal has reached £4 million, less than 48 hours since the first television appeals began broadcasting on Thursday evening (05.08.10). Call 0370 60 60 900 or visit DEC.

Afghanistan gives $1 million to Pakistan flood victims.