| As the tragedy in Pakistan continues to worsen, | | | | bridges and other infrastructure that have been |
| affecting millions already, and with dire warnings of loss | | | | damaged or destroyed by the flooding. The World |
| of life potentially reaching into the millions, foreign aid is | | | | Bank has promised to redirect 900 million dollars from |
| crucial in dealing with the disaster. Sadly, the amount of | | | | other projects in Pakistan into the relief and rebuilding |
| aid promised and currently being delivered is falling far | | | | effort but much more help is needed. Government |
| short of what is needed. Food, clean water and shelter | | | | buildings, schools and hospitals have been lost along |
| are in short supply and the flooding is expected to | | | | with countless homes and a massive effort will be |
| spread even more. | | | | necessary over the next few years to rebuild what |
| The situation is becoming desperate in the Punjab | | | | has already been destroyed and the damage may |
| region, where some 8 million are reportedly affected, | | | | spread even further. |
| and there have been reports of looting and protests | | | | Many crops have been lost as the flooding has hit |
| as the locals struggle to find the basic necessities to | | | | hard in Pakistan's agricultural belt, adding to the potential |
| stay alive. The United Nations has acknowledged that | | | | shortages of food as the relief effort continues. There |
| the biggest problem is a shortage of relief materials, | | | | are concerns that the wheat crop may not be able to |
| not lack of access to the stricken areas. The lack of | | | | be planted in September due to the flooded fields, |
| clean water is a major concern and millions, especially | | | | further exacerbating the potential long term food |
| children, are at risk of fatal diseases caused from | | | | supply dilemma. Unicef has called the disaster the |
| drinking contaminated water. | | | | "biggest emergency on the planet today". |
| There are many reports of desperate people | | | | For those trying to call Pakistan to reach friends or |
| swimming through the flood waters in search of food | | | | family it has been frustrating, to say the least. As the |
| and supplies to bring back to stranded survivors who | | | | infrastructure begins to be rebuilt and communication |
| have yet to receive any aid. As the sense of | | | | starts to return to normal many will want to take |
| hopelessness grows, more deaths and unrest are likely | | | | advantage of telecom providers who make cheap |
| unless aid is increased far above current levels. 2 | | | | calls to Pakistan available to everyone world-wide. |
| million tents, for instance, are needed and Pakistan has | | | | Pakistan needs the world to come to its aid and we |
| so far received less than 100,000. | | | | should all do our part to help in the relief and recovery. |
| A more long-term issue is the rebuilding of roads, | | | | |