24th August 2010
It is now nearly a month since Pakistan was first hit by heavier than usual rains as the monsoon season swept through Buluchistan, Punjab, Khyberpakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan and Singh causing unprecedented flash floods that submerged homes, roads and bridges, farmland and public infrastructure.
These are the worst floods in Pakistan's history, and over 16 million people have been affected so far, with 1,500 people killed, 2,000 people injured, and more heavy rain forecast for the coming days. The impact of this massive natural disaster is hard to comprehend – more than 70% of the country has been affected, and initial estimates state that over 1 million houses have already been damaged or destroyed. Half a million people have been evacuated as the monsoon rains move further south, and in the medium term, at least 8 million people will need emergency humanitarian assistance in the form of safe water, tents and shelter materials, and medical help.
Red Cross Red Crescent response
The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement responded immediately to the crisis. Essential humanitarian assistance has already been provided to 276,000 people in the form of food, shelter and relief supplies, and 27,000 people have benefitted from access to clean water. Through its network of emergency response teams, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society has provided emergency health services to over 44,000 people.
Relief is reaching some affected communities, but this disaster is still unfolding and many people are not receiving assistance. Humanitarian workers have found that access is extremely difficult as the floods have destroyed vital infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.
The extent of the disaster, that has robbed people of their homes, possessions and livelihoods, is now clear to the Pakistani authorities and the international community. However, the needs of the population are massive, and there is an urgent need for more assistance to prevent the outbreak of water-borne diseases, and to provide food and shelter to the millions of people in the disaster zone.
The Irish Red Cross has already provided €200,000 from our Emergency Response Fund to provide immediate support to those affected. Funds donated to the Irish Red Cross by the public have assisted over 24,000 people through the provision of urgent food supplies and hygiene kits and emergency shelter materials. As co-ordinators of the inter-agency network, Communicating with Disaster Affected Communities (CDAC), the Irish Red Cross continues to work closely with our partners in the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, leading humanitarian agencies and media development agencies to facilitate the exchange of accurate and reliable information on the humanitarian activities that are taking place.
The Irish Red Cross has received immense support from the Irish public this year, and your generosity has raised over €3million for the people of Haiti, and over €1million for those who were victims of flooding in Ireland. This humanitarian assistance has helped people at home in Ireland and in Haiti recover from these terrible disasters; the people of Pakistan now also need our help.
Donations are urgently needed to help the people of Pakistan
Please make a donation online
Or call 1850 50 70 70
Send cheque or postal order made payable to Irish Red Cross, 16 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
24,000 people in Pakistan benefit from Irish donations to the Red Cross
19th August 2010
Irish Red Cross asks families, sports clubs, offices and factories to raise funds urgently for Pakistan flood relief
11th August 2010
2 million people still in need of urgent assistance
5th August 2010
Irish Red Cross launches Pakistan Emergency Floods Appeal
3rd August 2010