Disaster

Aid Lacking After Pakistan's Floods

Inadequate gov't response leaves out many.

Frustration is growing among survivors of the enormous floods in northwestern Pakistan. And the number of those affected is staggering: at least 2.5 million Pakistanis, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. On Monday, many complained of the highly disorganized relief effort, while government officials acknowledged the difficulties that come with providing relief, saying that outside help will be necessary. “Dealing with such a large number of flood victims is not possible by the provincial government alone,” Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa information minister, told the Los Angeles Times. “We need the help of the people, the federal government, and international donor agencies.” The Pakistani army has assigned 30,000 troops, but the government’s handling of the disaster is still causing consternation—and concern—among locals and relief workers alike. As one emergency aid worker put it, “The main problem is lack of resources.” So far, the U.S. has pledged $10 million.