Pakistan struggles with flood aftermath

Hundreds of homes in northern Pakistan have been devastated by the heavy rains

By CNN's Suhasini Haider

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Relief workers remain unable to reach the worst affected areas of Pakistan's rain-drenched northern provinces, where some 172 have died in flooding and landslides.

Two days after Pakistan was lashed by the worst rains it has faced in 100 years relief workers say the toll is expected to rise, as reports continue to come in from villages cut off by the floods.

Thousands of homes were washed away. In one village alone 95 people died from drowning or from injuries caused when their houses collapsed.

The army has been airdropping food and medical supplies and airlifting people to safety.

Relief work impeded

According to Rawalpindi Corps Commander Lt. General Jamshaid Kiani, the relief effort has been made almost impossible by continuing downpours in the north of the country.

The army is urging people who live in low-lying areas to move to higher ground until the rains subside.

Meanwhile Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has announced a rehabilitation grant of $166,666 for the flood-hit areas. Speaking on CNN on Tuesday his finance minister Shaukat Aziz said loans would also be made available to help people rebuild their lives.

In Islamabad and its twin city Rawalpindi, the floods have destroyed over 5,000 homes.

Three hospitals were forced to close after rainwater flooded their basements and damaged emergency equipment. According to the Deputy Executive Director of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. Altaf Hussain, the children’s hospital there may not re-open for a week.

Few preparations were made for this deluge, in spite of the fact that this is Pakistan's monsoon season and heavy rains are expected.

No insurance

One of the biggest issues is that few people here invest in insurance for themselves or their homes. When a natural calamity like this one hits them, the poorest of those affected lose everything they have.

And as relief efforts continue, analysts here say that efforts must be made to safeguard people by providing them with low-cost insurance.