Pakistan Special on BBC WM

Nearly 3 million people have been affected by the floods in north-west Pakistan

On Sunday, 8 August BBC WM's Midlands Masala focussed on the current flooding crisis in Pakistan.

The programme crossed live to Pakistan to hear from those who have been caught up in the devastation.

There was also reaction from West Midlands families back in the UK about their feelings and concerns for friends and relatives who have been suffering.

Presenter Satnam Rana also discussed the current relief effort and what is being done to help those that need it.

The floods are said to be the worst for 80 years and have killed at least 1,600 people and affected up to 2.5 million people in north-west Pakistan.

Devastating floods

Iftikar Sattar, a teacher from Solihull, was caught up in the chaos before finding safety in Skadu.

"I've not experienced anything like that. Shops and roads are all flooded and the devastation I've seen is horrendous.

"You are very limited to how you can get out and you start to panic," he said.

Around 4 million pounds has already been donated to the flood relief effort and Hamayoon Sultan from Birmingham-based Islamic Relief told the programme they face a huge task in getting the disaster area back to some kind of normality.

The aid effort

He said: "Once the immediate emergency stage is over we are going to help farmers who have lost their land. We'll provide seeds, fertilizer and tools.

"After that we will start the rebuilding of homes and roads and helping people to help themselves again."

The second half of the show focussed on Birmingham's Pakistani community and how they felt about Pakistan's President Zardari visiting Birmingham.

The show discussed his visit to the UK and the political impact it has had both here and in Pakistan.

Listen again to Midlands Masala's Pakistan floods special.

Midlands Masala is broadcast on BBC WM every Sunday between 7pm - 10pm.