Pakistan: 'People are drinking flood water'

A Pakistani volunteer helps rescue villagers from their flooded homes in Muridke near Lahore, Pakistan, 17 August 2013 (AP)

Thousands of people across eastern Pakistan are sheltering in temporary camps after torrential rains washed away their homes and livelihoods.

The flooding has killed at least 140 people in Punjab and Sindh provinces. Miles of crops have been ruined and around 4,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed completely, displacing at least 80,000 people.

The Glasgow-based Global Minorities Alliance (GMA) is urging the international community, including aid agencies in the UK, to step in and offer support.

"It is [a] real tragedy which hits the poor families in Pakistan almost every year," said GMA chief executive, Manassi Bernard.

One pastor, the Reverend Benyaameen Najum, contacted the alliance from Pakistan to request immediate relief for 44 families in the villages of Chanada Singh Village, Masteke Village, and Gati Kalanger.

"People have no place to go to and are drinking flood water," the pastor told the alliance.

The alliance's international director of peace and harmony, Shahzad Khan added: "We urge aid agencies, relief organisation to reach out the flood affected families which are left in the lurch and has left many homeless, shoeless and shelter-less and believe people will respond to the genuine need and provide relief to the children and families."

News
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.