25 killed, 80,000 affected in floods in northwest Pakistan: UN At least twenty five people were killed and more than 400 houses destroyed in

25 killed, 80,000 affected in floods in northwest Pakistan: UN

At least twenty five people were killed and more than 400 houses destroyed in flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall in northwest Pakistan, UN humanitarian agencies said. Nine people were also missing after heavy rains in the Swabi and Mardi districts of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) last week, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. In Swabi, up to 80,000 people have been affected by the rains, with local officials declaring a state of emergency in some towns, it said. The floods have submerged cultivated land, with maize, rice, sugarcane and tobacco crops having been destroyed. Livestock has also been washed away and drowned, OCHA said. A UN team is currently on the ground to assess flood-hit areas, warning of a potential food shortage. Medicine, drinking water and aqua tabs have been identified as priority needs. UN agencies, along with the Pakistani government and aid organisations have started providing relief items to affected areas. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) is sending 500 tents and other items, while the UN World Health Organisation (WHO) has set up medical camps.