AN appeal was launched at the Eisteddfod today to raise money for flood-hit Pakistan.

The Disasters Emergency Committee Wales is asking for donations to help the 3 million affected by the disaster.

More than 1,400 have people have so far been killed and three million affected by the worst flooding in Pakistan in living memory.

The UK arm of the charity is broadcasting a series of appeals on TV and radio asking for donations.

The DEC said: "In the aftermath of the floods there is a serious risk to survivors from potentially deadly diseases which will spread as a result of contaminated surface and drinking water."

Its Pakistan Floods Appeal will see special broadcasts run on the BBC, ITV, Sky, Channel 4, Channel Five and independent radio stations.

After causing huge destruction in Pakistan's volatile north-west region, floodwaters deluged villages and some urban centres in Punjab, the richest and most populous province.

Monsoon season in Pakistan usually lasts about three months, through mid-September. In a typical year, the country gets an average 5.4in of rainfall during the monsoon season.

This year it had already received 6.3ins, said Muhammad Hanif, head of the National Weather Forecasting Centre in Islamabad.

The rains are falling about 25 to 30 % above normal rates, Mr Hanif said. The north-west experienced "once-in-a-century" rains, hitting it the hardest. Rain is expected there in coming days, though at normal levels that should allow some recovery. The vast majority of deaths have been reported in the north west.