Meteorologists Predict More Heavy Rains for Pakistan

Photo: AP

Pakistan Navy soldiers rescue stranded villagers from flooded areas at Toree Band, in the Kashmor district, near Sukkar, in Pakistan's Sindh province, 06 Aug 2010

Meteorologists in Pakistan have predicted more heavy rains for the already flood-damaged country.

Pakistani officials say at least 13 million people have been affected by floodwaters that have ravaged the northwest and now are sweeping southward, forcing thousands more to flee their homes.

National Disaster Management Authority chairman Nadim Ahmed said Friday some 650,000 homes have been destroyed in the northwestern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and central Punjab provinces.

Authorities have already evacuated more than half a million people in the southern province of Sindh.

The nearly two-week disaster has killed more than 1,600 people.  Floodwaters have washed away homes, roads, and bridges, cutting off entire communities

Many Pakistanis are criticizing what they say is a slow government response, as well as President Asif Ali Zardari's decision to travel to Europe during the floods.

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has appealed for international aid as the country deals with the worst floods of its history.

The flooding has destroyed crops and farmland in Punjab province and other areas, heightening fears of a food shortage.

The World Food Program said Friday it was preparing to provide food assistance to some 2.5 million flood victims for three months, after delivering rations to more than 200,000 in the worst hit areas.

Islamic charities, some with ties to extremist groups, are also assisting with relief efforts.