ISLAMABAD — Pakistan issued new flood warnings Thursday that could last into the weekend as government and relief agencies strained to confront the toll from a growing humanitarian disaster.
The new warnings to several cities in Punjab and Sindh provinces added to the desperation of survivors facing a daily struggle for survival as Muslims around the world began to observe the holy month of Ramadan.
Thursday, President Asif Ali Zardari, who was criticized for making a trip to Europe as the disaster unfolded, made his first tour of flood-damaged areas since his return to the country this week.
The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad announced that two Marine helicopters had arrived, the first of a contingent of 19 U.S. military helicopters that has been ordered to assist the Pakistani government in relief efforts. The United States has pledged $71 million for flood relief, and U.S. officials have called for more.
