Posted on October 9, 2010
As we prepare to take a short break to give thanks for all our bounty, we have some very encouraging news for the victims of the flooding in Pakistan.
Development and Peace’s national collection, recieved through public donations and in our churches, thanks to the support of the CCCB, has allowed us to raise over $ 2.5 million for the Pakistan emergency. Amazing! Of this total, nearly $ 500,000 came from the Toronto diocese, via ShareLife.
Very soon, our Program Officer for Emergency Relief, Barbara Trachsel, is leaving for Asia and will be in Pakistan to assess the situation and to coordinate the next steps in our emergency relief program. She will be keeping us posted, giving us news of our partners and their work, which we will be sure to share with you.
We want to take this opportunity to thank all our members and donors for their incredible support. This situation was receiving very little media coverage and not enough public sympathy. As usual, the collaboration and generosity we have witnessed has impressed us and humbled us.
In great thanks and wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
What’s our emergency relief program in Pakistan?
Here’s one example…
Development and Peace is supporting the distribution of aid in all four of the country’s provinces.
It is helping Caritas Pakistan provide food, shelter, non-food items and health care to 12,490 families (see map).
Learn more about our emergency relief programs and updated news from Pakistan here.
Posted on September 20, 2010
As of September 20, Development and Peace has recieved over 1 million dollars for the victims of flooding in Pakistan.
Through Caritas Philippines a 3 month project has started, bringing aid to 250,000 people in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Punjab.
Click here for up to date info on Caritas Pakistan, and here for info on the emergency relief projects.
Beginning in late July, heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan have causing the worst flooding the country has ever experienced. The floods have displaced thousands of people, destroyed houses, hospitals and schools, and have washed out roads and bridges.
According to the Government of Pakistan, 13.8 million people have been affected in all five provinces of the country and 1,600 have died.
Flood-ravaged communities are faced with food shortages, undrinkable water, destroyed crops, and lack of shelter. Many people have also suffered injuries or have become ill due to the unsanitary conditions.
Several communities have been cut-off by high waters and collapsed infrastructure, which is hampering the emergency response. Communications are also very difficult as telephone and electrical poles have come down.
“There are so many people who are in grave difficulty. It’s such a traumatic situation for those who have lost everything and who have to rely on others even for a drink of water,” says Anila Gill, national executive secretary of Caritas Pakistan.
As the monsoon season has progressed, the situation has become increasingly critical and could still worsen as rains continue. The full extent of the damage is still unknown, however, the United Nations estimates that billions of dollars will be needed in order to restore livelihoods and rebuild infrastructure in the country.
Click here to donate!
Follow this link to get more information about the situation in Pakistan and how D&P is responding to this emergency.
