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In Brief
This Bulletin (no. 04/2007) is being issued for information only, and reflects the status of the situation and information available at this time. The Federation is not seeking funding or other assistance from donors for this operation at this time.
Summary: The number of people affected by cyclone Yemyin and subsequent flooding in Baluchistan province, in southern Pakistan, has rapidly increased to 800,000 across seven districts, with an unconfirmed death toll of 24. Many towns and villages have been inundated with flood waters, while houses have been washed away. There is extensive damage to roads and bridges.
The weather has eased in the neighbouring province of Sindh, but there is heavy flooding in 16 villages in Juhi union council in Dadu district to the north of Karachi city. Karachi, where over 200 people reported died as a result of the severe storm on 23 June 2007, is in clean up mode. However, there are ongoing health concerns due to the lack of clean water.
The Pakistan Red Crescent Society is providing emergency relief food and non-food items and emergency health care. The PRCS is being supported by the Federation and the International Committee of the Red Cross in its response.
The Situation
The flooding and damage caused by cyclone Yemyin in the southern Pakistan province of Baluchistan has now affected 800,000 people and claimed about 24 lives(1). According to the Baluchistan Provincial Relief Commissioner, seven districts have been affected by flooding - the coastal districts of Kech and Gwadar, and the north-eastern districts of Jalmugsi, Bolan, Lasbela, Nasirabad and Jaffarabad.
The cyclone struck the Baluchistan coast on Tuesday, 26th June, and while it has dissipated, it resulted in torrential rain in many areas. A severe storm on 23rd June caused over 200 deaths in Karachi city, in the adjoining Sindh province, and also affected the districts of Thatta and Dadu in Sindh.
The Baluchistan Provincial Relief Commissioner says there are no official estimates of the number of people rendered homeless, but he confirms 50,000 people have been evacuated from villages in the Kech valley to Turbat.
Note:
(1) This is an unofficial figure based on media reports. The Baluchistan Provincial Relief Commissioner's office did not have an official figure at the time of reporting.
For further information specifically related to this operation please contact:
Pakistan Red Crescent Society: Khalid Kibriya (Secretary General); email: khalid_kibriya@yahoo.com; phone: +92 51 925 0407; fax +92 51 925 0408.
Federation country delegation in Pakistan: Asar ul Haq (disaster management programme manager); email asar.muhammad@ifrc.org ; phone +92 300 856 8136. Udaya Regmi (acting head of delegation); email: udaya.regmi@ifrc.org ; phone: +92 51 925 0416; mobile: +92 300 555 4502.
Federation South Asia regional delegation in India: Nina Nobel (acting head of regional delegation); email: nina.nobel@ifrc.org; phone: +91.11. 2411.1125; fax: +91.11. 2411.1128
Federation Secretariat in Geneva (Asia Pacific department): Christine South, (regional officer South Asia); email christine.south@ifrc.org; phone +41 22 730 4529; fax +4122 733 0395