As floods devastate Pakistan, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched an urgent appeal to help millions across the country who are in need of immediate help to survive.
One third of the country – an area the size of the UK – has been submerged, according to the government of Pakistan, with floods sweeping away entire communities and leaving more than a million homes destroyed or badly damaged. At least 1,200 people have already been killed and 6 million more are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.
Around 33 million people are affected overall - one in seven Pakistanis. Whole villages have been cut off, with rescuers struggling to reach them. Schools, roads, crops and livelihoods are gone. Time is critical with conditions expected to worsen as the rains continue.
The DEC brings together 15 leading aid agencies at times of crisis overseas. DEC charities, including CARE International, are already on the ground providing life-saving aid either directly or through local partners. But we urgently need more funds to reach more people.
The immediate focus of the relief effort is to save lives and provide temporary shelter and blankets to people who have lost their homes, clean water and sanitation to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases, food and medical assistance.
Adil Sheraz, CARE’s Pakistan Country Director said:
The situation continues to deteriorate, with continued heavy rains causing flooding and landslides. The sheer scale of the disaster has led the Government of Pakistan to declare a National Emergency.
CARE International in Pakistan, and its implementing partners, are distributing relief items to affected communities including tents and tarpaulins, emergency latrine kits and everyday essentials including menstrual hygiene items. Our highest priority is supporting women, children and people with special needs. So many have lost just about everything and need our collective support now.”
