Is it permissible to give Zakat al-Mal to flood victims in Pakistan?

There is no objection to paying Zakat al-Mal (charity on wealth) to distressed and afflicted Muslims who have lost the necessities of life and basic needs, because their apparent condition indicates that they can find no shelter and cannot obtain food and potable water except through meager assistance. Transferring Zakat to them through a trustworthy channel is permissible due to the overriding benefit.