Reuters – Farmers stranded by floods that have submerged huge swathes of Pakistan are running low on feed for their cattle, officials said Sept. 13, and airdropping supplies is a difficult task.
The floods caused by record monsoon rains and glacial melt in northern mountains have affected 33 million people and killed almost 1,400, sweeping away homes, transport, crops and livestock in damage estimated at US$30 billion.
In the southern province of Sindh, one of the worst affected areas, farmers in several villages have braved the rising waters to stay on and try to keep their remaining cattle alive.
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“A shortage of fodder for cattle has emerged,” said Syed Murtaza Ali Shah, the top government official in the key provincial district of Dadu, adding that army and navy helicopters were trying to reach the farmers.
Airdropping supplies would be difficult, said a military official, who sought anonymity as he was not allowed to talk to the media.
“It is a serious issue,” the official told Reuters. “Airdrops would not work, but it is important that fodder be supplied to livestock.”
