ReliefWeb

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. In coordination with government operations and local NGO's, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is distributing emergency relief items from its stocks. National Society volunteers are providing food to families in the affected areas. A joint PRCS/Federation assessment team is in the area. To provide immediate assistance for 25,000 people, the Federation launched a preliminary appeal on 25 May, for 1,540,000 Swiss francs.