Pakistan: Cyclone - May 1999

More than 200 people are dead after a cyclone hit the south-eastern coast of Pakistan on 20 May, with winds of up to 270 kms per hour. People drowned or were crushed to death as their houses collapsed in the strong winds and tidal waves. It is estimated some 500,000 people have been affected by the cyclone, but these figures are still unconfirmed due to the inaccessibility of the affected region. Much of the area is still cut off and travel is difficult. Roads have been washed away and telephone poles and electricity lines destroyed. At least 60,000 hectares of farmland has been seriously damaged and more than 2,000 livestock killed. The cyclone damaged at least 50,000 houses in more than 600 villages. More than 1,200 people are still missing. The authorities have set up temporary camps to shelter the most vulnerable. (IFRC, 27 May 1999)

The cyclone that struck the south-east coast of Pakistan, in the vicinity of the Indus delta, on 20 May caused massive destruction to housing in the coastal towns and villages of the two districts of Badin and Thatta in Sindh province, and to agriculture and the fishing industry. At least 600,000 people in 5,200 villages were affected and 191 people, mostly fishermen, were killed. Several hundred persons remain missing and are presumed dead. Over 75,000 houses were destroyed and some 59,000 damaged. 400,000 acres of agricultural land were inundated with salt water and 28,000 head of livestock perished. 675 fishing boats were destroyed. Much of the infrastructure of the two districts -- roads, communications systems and electrical lines -- was damaged. (IFRC, 17 Aug 1999)