Funding threat to Pakistan flood relief

Western aid agencies in Pakistan warned yesterday that they might have to halt flood relief efforts in the cash-strapped country because of funding shortfalls.

Floods in August hit Sindh province in the south, killing at least 430 people and disrupting the lives of nine million. Many people are still camping in the open with little food, water or shelter. Western aid agencies made an urgent appeal for $357m (£224m) in September, but only 23 per cent of that has been secured.

If more funds do not arrive, agencies may be forced to leave flood victims to fend for themselves. It is feared there could be outbreaks of dengue fever, malaria and respiratory infection.