Flood survivors rush toward a Pakistan Navy helicopter in Pasni, west of Karachi, on Feb. 13.

Hungry survivors huddled on high ground in the worst-hit province of Baluchistan, the country's biggest and poorest province, after their homes and livestock were swept away when the 150-meter-long Shadikor Dam burst Feb. 10. At least 1,000 people were missing.

Officials said a second, smaller dam collapsed in the province Feb. 13, killing more people while scores more casualties from avalanches and landslides were reported in the northwest and the Himalayan region of Kashmir.

About 4,000 troops supported by helicopters, coast guard boats and C-130 transport planes hauled food, medicine and tents to Pasni, the region close to where the dam burst, sweeping people into the Arabian Sea. The Red Crescent, the branch of the Red Cross that operates in Muslim countries, sent tents, blankets, tarpaulins and 40 tons of food.

The water level has since dropped, but huge tracts along the coast remain submerged.

Cmdr. Noor Ahmed, a navy doctor working at medical camps, said the main problem for villagers was a shortage of drinking water.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 19, 2005
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