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ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (AP) -- Pakistan's president says recovering from devastating floods still battering Pakistan is a long-term process that could take at least three years.

The U.N. estimates the floods that began nearly a month ago with hammering monsoon rains in the northwest have affected more than 17 million people and killed 1,500.

The widespread misery caused by the floods has triggered worries about social unrest, food riots or even a challenge to the government's rule before its term ends in 2013.

Millions have received little or no help and aid officials warn that widespread outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera now pose a threat.

Officials announced today that the government will give the equivalent of about $230 to every family affected by the floods, as "initial assistance."

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