UNITED NATIONS — More than three months since the devastating floods began in Pakistan, the catastrophe is far from over, said a UN spokesman on Friday.

Access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene remains challenging, with the flooding and standing water having led to a rise in water- and vector-borne diseases, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Millions of people face increased food insecurity as families are returning home to destroyed houses, ruined crops, and dead livestock, he told a daily press briefing.

As winter begins to set in, with snow already affecting some areas, people affected by the floods are even more vulnerable and many need adequate shelter, food and winterization support, he said.

More than 5 million people remain displaced as the floods have affected 33 million people and caused destruction across the agricultural, health and education sectors, said Haq.

Food and livelihoods assistance has reached 4.1 million people, while 1.5 million people have received emergency shelter kits, blankets, bedding and kitchen sets. UN humanitarians and partners have provided health assistance to 1.5 million people, while more than 1.7 million people have received clean water, he said.

“We are calling for additional funding to maintain the life-saving response. The 816-million-U.S. dollar humanitarian appeal launched by the United Nations and the government of Pakistan is currently just 21 percent funded,” said the spokesman. (Xinhua)