Canadian Red Cross contributes $2.5 million in support of relief efforts in
Pakistan

OTTAWA, Aug. 3 /CNW/ - Monsoon rains have caused extensive flash flooding throughout Pakistan, killing more than 1,500 people and causing widespread damage. Over 3 million people have been affected, and the rains are expected to worsen this week. The Canadian Red Cross is actively responding by contributing $2.5 million in support of relief and recovery efforts, as well as deploying four mobile health units and a seven-person paramedic team to affected communities.

"The next week is critical. With continued heavy rains there is a real danger that the flooding will spread further south into Sindh province," explains Hossam Elsharkawi, director of emergency and recovery operations with the Canadian Red Cross. "As well as increasing distributions of food and shelter materials, the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is working to reduce the public health risks posed by the flooding. Thousands of people are living in miserable conditions. Providing clean water and sanitation is an absolute priority if we are to avert epidemics."

The Canadian Red Cross has been working in Pakistan since 2005 and has a strong partnership with the Pakistan Red Crescent in the areas of disaster response, disaster preparedness and community health.

"Over 50,000 volunteers from the Pakistan Red Crescent have been working around the clock to help the people - many of them family, friends and neighbours - affected by the flooding," says Elsharkawi. "It has been an extraordinary effort and the Canadian Red Cross will continue to support their response efforts in the days and weeks to come."

Canadians wishing to make a financial donation may give online at www.redcross.ca, call 1-800-418-1111 or contact their local Canadian Red Cross office. The 24-hour toll free line accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked "Pakistan Floods 2010" and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2.

The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and over 185 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

For further information:

or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Canadian Red Cross
Media Line
613-740-1994