Aid groups warn that Pakistan needs more

Terra Daily via AFP: Aid groups warned on Wednesday that vital relief efforts for five million people affected by floods in Pakistan's fertile southern belt could be cut back because of a shortfall in foreign donations. Supplies of clean water, sanitation, food, shelter and healthcare are all under severe threat and impoverished farmers in waterlogged Sindh face losing yet another winter crop, just as the cold weather closes in.

The badly affected province was already reeling from floods last year that were the worst ever in Pakistan.

Less than a third of the UN's $357 million floods appeal for 2011 has been met and global aid organisations Oxfam, Save the Children, Care and umbrella group ACTED are urging donors to give more or see aid flows stop.

"Over two months into the crisis, millions of people are still without basics. If relief operations stop, it could lead to an unimaginable catastrophe," said Neva Khan, Oxfam's country director in Pakistan....