Monsoon rains threaten to worsen Pakistan flood crisis
Authorities evacuate people living along swollen rivers as further downpours hamper efforts to help millions already affected 
Associated Press in Sukkur
Sunday 8 August 2010 14.17 BST Pakistani authorities evacuated people living alongside expanding rivers today as forecasts predicted further heavy rain that could worsen the country’s flood crisis. Officials estimate that as many as 13 million people have been affected by the worst flooding in the country’s 63-year history. About 1,500 people have died, most of them in the north-west, the hardest-hit region. Monsoon rains began about two weeks ago and have washed away roads, bridges and many communications lines, hampering rescue efforts by aid organisations and the government. The downpours have grounded many aircraft trying to rescue people and ferry aid, including six helicopters manned by US troops on secondment from Afghanistan. Confidence in the national government’s ability to cope has been shaken by the decision of the president, Asif Ali Zardari, to visit the UK and France amid the crisis. Floodwaters receded somewhat on Friday in the north-west, but further torrential rain in the evening and early yesterday again swelled rivers and streams. Pakistani meteorologist Farooq Dar said heavy rains in Afghanistan were expected to make things even worse into today as the swollen waters of the Kabul river flowed into the region. That will likely mean more woes for Punjab and Sindh provinces as well, as the torrents flow east and south. An Associated Press reporter saw many people walking on foot and travelling in lorries towards safer places in Sindh, where tens of thousands have already fled and floodwaters have overcome many villages. Some Pakistanis, however, refused to leave their crops and homes. “Let the flood come. We will live and die here,” said Dur Mohammed, 75, who lives in a mud brick home in Dadli village. …
