In the northwestern Pakistan, more than 3 million people have been affected by the floods so far and the death toll has climbed over 1,400. According to the UN Children's Fund Spokesman Abdul Sami Malik, 1.3 million people were severely affected by the floods. The country's government has been heavily criticized for its response to the disaster caused by floods. Pakistani authorities are struggling to help victims of the flooding, many of whom have lost their homes and livelihood and say they had not received any official warnings that floods were heading their way.Malik said aid agencies and Pakistani government officials will meet today to determine whether they need to make an urgent international appeal for help. Islamist charities, some with suspected ties to militants, have stepped in to provide aid to the affected people. Authorities are expecting the death toll to rise, as more of the heavy monsoon rains lashing the area for the past week are forecast. Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority said more than 29,500 houses were damaged and a key trade highway to China was blocked by flooding.