Media watch: Aid, helicopters and relief efforts

As more aid comes into Pakistan, there is need for helicopters for 800,000 people who can only be reached by air.

Media watch is a daily round-up of key articles featured on news websites, hand-picked by The Express Tribune web staff.

International aid

Concerns have been raised that some of the charity organisations, here and abroad, that are involved in raising funds for flood relief may have links with extremist religious groups. As such, it is important that people, when donating, are careful in their choice of organisation. (dawn.com)

Crowd management in disaster relief

Finally, the distribution model needs total revamping. Currently, the authorities use the ‘funnel’ format for the distribution of packets of food items. This is a one-nod model where a couple of workers, often at the back of the van or truck, try to distribute items to hundreds of people. This model directs the crowd pressure to a single point and can result in a stampede. (dailytimes.com.pk)

40 Helicopters sought to reach isolated flood hit areas

“In northern areas that are cut off, markets are short of vital supplies, and prices are rising sharply. People are in need of food staples to survive”, said Marcus Prior of WFP, “There is currently no other way to reach these flood victims, other than by helicopter.” (thenews.com.pk)

International aid seen helping Islamabad avoid bankruptcy following disaster: WSJ

Assistance from the International Monetary Fund and Western countries will likely help Pakistan avoid another brush with bankruptcy as it tries to cope with the damage, which by some estimates may reach $43 billion. (nation.com.pk)

To raise money for flood victims: government should reallocate Rs 15.9 billion workers fund

If the federal government allows the Ministry of Labour to reallocate the amount to the victims of devastating floods, enough funds would be available through internal resources. The infrastructure development is the prime task for the flood-affected areas for which the said amount could be effectively utilised. (brecorder.com)

800,000 in Pakistan Reachable Only by Air

“These unprecedented floods pose unprecedented logistical challenges, and this requires an extraordinary effort by the international community,” John Holmes, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, said in a prepared statement. (nytimes.com)