Conditions remain very difficult for the more than two million people affected by heavy floods in south-west Pakistan, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which is working with the Pakistan Red Crescent to respond to the disaster.

"The situation is improving somewhat in western Baluchistan, where the waters are receding," says the International Federation's Field Assessment and Coordination Team leader, Ian Heigh. "But moving flood water, made worse by ongoing rains, continues to make life miserable for many affected communities in the province of Sindh. We're also concerned that it's threatening new villages in the region."

In response to the ongoing disaster, the International Federation is revising upwards its preliminary emergency appeal, launched on 4 July, from an initial request of 10.4 million Swiss francs ($8.5 million USD/ €6.2 million) to 21 million Swiss francs ($17 million USD / €12.8 million).

The funds will go towards providing 51,500 households, or around 360,000 people, with much-needed relief, including food, shelter building materials, health services, safe drinking water and latrines, as well as hygiene awareness and livelihoods assistance.

"I have seen many disasters in my village, like droughts and floods, but I have not seen this type of massive destruction in my lifetime," says Sherim Bibi, a 55-year-old widow, who lives in Balochabad, Baluchistan. "My house, my whole village were washed away in an instant."

More than 67,000 homes have been damaged across Baluchistan and Sindh, while damage to water and sewer systems is increasing the spread of disease, which is compounded by a lack of bathing facilities.

The International Federation plans to strategically deploy at least five Emergency Response Units (ERUs), specialized in the areas of logistics, water and sanitation, and health care, as part of its flood relief operation.

"We are also in charge of coordinating how the shelter needs of affected people are being met by the various humanitarian agencies on the ground," says the head of disaster management for the International Federation in Pakistan, Asar Ul Haq.

"Shelter is still a major issue," says Ul Haq. "Some people have made improvised shelters using raised bed frames, while others are sleeping outdoors, and of course people are worried that the heavy rains will continue... so we're looking very carefully at how best to meet their near and longer-term needs."

The International Federation and the Pakistan Red Crescent Society are working in close coordination with the authorities and other humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations, to provide assistance to vulnerable communities as quickly and efficiently as possible.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Anna Nelson, Communications Officer for Asia & the Pacific in Geneva Tel: +41 22 730 4381/+41 79 724 2046 Stacey Winston, Acting Communications Coordinator in Islamabad Tel: +92 301 856 0711 Media Service Duty Phone (Geneva) Tel. + 41 79 416 38 81

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 185 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.