September 10, 2008	Wednesday	Ramazan 09, 1429

GENEVA, Sept 9: Some 400,000 more people could be displaced if violence in western Pakistan resumes after Ramazan, the World Health Organisation warned on Tuesday as it asked for $9.76 million to help victims.

Violence in the North-West Frontier Province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas bordering Afghanistan has forced some 123,000 people to flee in recent months, said the WHO.

“While a considerable number of displaced people have returned due to the Ramazan ceasefire, it is estimated that 400,000 more could be displaced if hostilities resume at the end of Ramazan (in late September) or earlier,” it added.

A further 200,000 displaced internally in the so-called Tribal Areas could not be reached by UN agencies, said the WHO.

In addition, recent floods have compounded the health care difficulties in Pakistan. The country was hit in August by heavy monsoon rains which destroyed houses, clinics, bridges and other infrastructure.

Some 300,000 people suffered in the worst-hit areas of Peshawar in the North-West Frontier Province and Rajanpur in Punjab province.

“Thousands of lives are at risk in Pakistan if we do not act now to provide urgent health care to those affected by these terrible floods or forced from their homes by violence,” said Eric Laroche, a WHO assistant director general for crisis planning.—AFP