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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 8-Aug-2010
8-Aug-10 News -- Pakistan appeals for international help with floods

Web Log - August, 2010

8-Aug-10 News -- Pakistan appeals for international help with floods

Pakistan's president faces scandal over his absence during floods

Floods continue to spread and devastate Pakistan

Pakistan: Torrential rains worsen floods <font size=-2>(Source: Dawn)</font>

Pakistan: Torrential rains worsen floods (Source: Dawn)

Torrential rains continued to pour down on Pakistan, worsening an already catastrophic situation, according to Dawn.

The Indus river, which runs down the middle of Pakistan from top to bottom, almost for the entire length of the country, has been overflowing its banks, submerging villages for miles on either side. The powerful, gushing streams of water have been breaking dykes, killing thousands of people, and forcing several million to people to flee their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has appealed to the international community for help with the floods, according to Dawn.

"Pakistan has been hit by the worst flood in its history. While still struggling to cope with the negative impact of the situation on our western borders and the crisis of internally-displaced persons, we have yet again been hit by a natural disaster," said Gilani.

"The loss of human lives and infrastructure is colossal. Real assessment of the damage can only be done once the water recedes. I would take this opportunity to appeal to the overseas Pakistanis to extend support to their countrymen in coping with the losses and sufferings. I also urge the corporate sector of Pakistan to come forward and shoulder its social responsibility and generously support the victims of the disastrous flood," he said.

Growing scandal over President Zardari's absence

Crowds heckled him and a protestor threw shoes at Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari during a speech in Britain on Saturday, according to the Telegraph. Throwing shoes is a form of insult among Muslims, and the incident was reminiscent of an incident several years ago where an Iraqi journalist threw shoes at President George Bush.

Zardari is in Britain on a visit that was scheduled some time ago. People in Pakistan are wondering why the President of the country didn't cut his visit short and return to Pakistan to comfort the millions of people victimized by the floods.

Zardari already had low popularity ratings before, and this scandal is pushing them even lower.

(Comments: For reader comments, questions and discussion, see the 8-Aug-10 News -- Pakistan appeals for international help with floods thread of the Generational Dynamics forum. Comments may be posted anonymously.) (8-Aug-2010) Permanent Link
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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 8-Aug-2010 8-Aug-10 News -- Pakistan appeals for international help with floods

Floods continue to spread and devastate Pakistan

Growing scandal over President Zardari's absence

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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 8-Aug-2010
8-Aug-10 News -- Pakistan appeals for international help with floods