Development and Peace helping flood-affected populations in Pakistan

MONTREAL, Aug. 10 /CNW Telbec/ - Heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan have caused devastating floods in several parts of the country. The Government of Pakistan estimates that 13.8 million people have been affected and the situation is expected to worsen as the waters of the Indus River continue to swell from the rain and impact more areas.

So far, the gushing flood waters have destroyed houses, roads, bridges, toppled electrical and phone lines, and reportedly caused the deaths of 1,600 people. Those living in the affected areas are faced with displacement, food shortages, lack of shelter, minimal clean water and sickness.

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE is contributing to the emergency response organized by Caritas Internationalis and its local partner Caritas Pakistan to bring much-needed humanitarian aid to those affected. The organization is contributing $50,000 and hopes to give more through donations from the Canadian public.

As soon as the floods began, Caritas Pakistan quickly mobilized and has already provided emergency relief to 1,300 families in two districts in the province of Punjab. It aims to extend its reach over the next two weeks with the distribution of water, food, cooking utensils, health and hygiene kits, mosquito nets and water purification tablets to close to 3,000 households. As the effects of the flooding emerge, Caritas will continue to respond to the situation with further emergency relief programs.

"Assessments are difficult right now due to the isolation of some communities, high waters and cut-off communications," explains Barbara Trachsel, Emergency Programs Officer at DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE. "However, as the picture becomes clearer we will be able to provide communities with the aid they need, whether it be food and clean water or cash-for-work programs to help people get back on their feet after losing their homes, cattle and crops."

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE will be accepting donations from Canadians to further help with this emergency response. Donations can be made by telephone [phone]), on our website www.devp.org or by sending a cheque made out to DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE and indicating Pakistan Floods to:

    
    DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
    1425 René-Lévesque Blvd. West. 3rd Floor
    Montreal QC H3G 1T7
    

For further information: Kelly Di Domenico, Communications Officer, 514 257-8710 ext. 365, [email protected]