People with family links to Pakistan are watching in horror as flooding continues to claim lives.

More than 1,100 people have died as a result of the disaster in the Punjab so far, with tens of thousands losing their homes to the flood water.

Yaqub Khan, general secretary of Leicester's Pakistan Association, said: "It's absolutely devastating. We're glued to the television to see what will happen next.

"We expect more heavy rain and more flooding in the coming days."

The association and other organisations in Leicester are awaiting instructions on what type of aid will best meet the needs of the thousands of families affected.

Mr Khan said: "We're waiting for the Pakistani High Commission in London to tell us how we can help.

"We're ready to send money, medicine or whatever they need."

The flooding, in the north-west of the country, also threatens to cause a massive outbreak of disease and medics are on their way from the UK and elsewhere.

The floods are the worst in the country for about 80 years and come less than five years after Pakistan was hit by a massive earthquake that killed about 79,000 people.

About 27,000 people are reportedly still trapped by the water, and officials in Pakistan estimated one million people were affected.

Thousands of acres of crops, homes, schools, businesses, government buildings, bridges and railway tracks have been washed away in the deluge.

Suleman Nagdi, chairman of the Leicestershire Federation of Muslim Organisations, said prayers were being said for all those affected by the disaster.

Mr Nagdi is confident the rest of the world will be quick to send aid.

"I think Pakistan's government will find it difficult but the international community will rally round and send the aid that is needed," he said.

"Britain is known for its generosity and I'm sure people will be keen to help.

"Pakistan is already a very poor country and to have this added problem is devastating.

"Houses are being washed away and it must be very emotionally and physically draining for the survivors. Our prayers go out to all of them."

UK charity ActionAid has launched an appeal to send out food, water and sanitation supplies to north-west Pakistan.

Waheed Shah, emergencies specialist for ActionAid Pakistan, has visited the Swat Valley region.

He said: "Floodwaters have overwhelmed Mingora city, the capital of Swat and washed away more than 45 bridges in the region.

"Now only helicopters can reach the people with vital food supplies but there is nowhere for them to land so food is being thrown on to any dry ground they can find.

"Families who have lost everything are now basically trapped and there are no proper means to distribute food to the those who need it most."

Aid agencies fear the situation will worsen as more rain is expected.

Donate to ActionAid at:

www.actionaid.org.uk/ pakistanappeal