Thursday 5 August 2010
Heavier than usual monsoon rains in north-western Pakistan have left over 1,100 people dead, 2.5 million affected, and 2 million exposed to waterborne disease and in need of emergency humanitarian assistance.
Flooding has worsened significantly since 28 July, and although waters are beginning to recede in some areas, further rains are forecast for the rest of the week particularly in the south of the country, leaving millions of people vulnerable.
Declan O'Sullivan, Acting Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross, explained that one of the main challenges and concerns for the Red Cross Movement at the moment is access to flood-affected communities.
"Many areas are mountainous with poor infrastructure and severe damage to roads, bridges, and communications links have considerably impeded rescue and relief efforts. Donations will help the Red Cross Movement to re-establish these links and restore water systems to working order in an effort to ward off many of the health problems that could arise if large numbers of people had to use contaminated water supplies," he said.
Floodwater in many areas has contaminated ground water drinking sources therefore increasing the risk of communicable diseases, respiratory skin infections and diarrhoea.
To date, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society has provided emergency relief to 5,000 people, however more supplies are needed.
Funds raised by the Irish Red Cross and throughout the Red Cross Movement will help provide relief items such as soap, wash basins, food, clean drinking water, tents and medical services, however the health of the most vulnerable,such as children and the elderly remain a major concern.
Donations to the Irish Red Cross Pakistan Emergency Floods Appeal have been steady; however funds are still urgently needed Whatever members of the public can give will make a real difference in protecting the people of Pakistan and helping them recover from this disaster.
How you can help
Donations to the Pakistan Emergency Floods Appeal are being accepted online at www.redcross.ie or by calling 1850 50 70 70.
Cheque and postal orders should be marked for the relevant appeal and made payable to:
Irish Red Cross
16, Merrion Square,
Dublin 2.