Situation
Monsoon rains and flooding have destroyed thousands of houses, ruined acres of farmland ready to harvest crops, and have wrecked roadways and bridges. Widespread heavy rain and flooding is expected to continue over the next five days across the country.
As many as 500,000 people have been affected by the torrent in the provinces of Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab and Baluchistan. Provincial and national government agencies have been working to provide relief in setting up temporary camps for those displaced, distributing emergency supplies and establishing support operations. However, the destruction of roads and bridges are making relief operations challenging, especially in the most remote communities.
Response by CWS
While flooding is common in Pakistan’s summer months, CWS is working closely with its local partner, Community World Service – Asia in monitoring the effect on vulnerable populations. Community World Service – Asia has deployed a field team to coordinate with key stakeholders related to providing relief such as food and other necessary items, and medical support.
Church World Service will remain in close contact with Community World Service – Asia and offer support as it is requested.
How to help
Contributions to support CWS emergency response efforts may made online or sent to your denomination or to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515.
For further information about disasters to which Church World Service is responding please visit www.cwsglobal.org or call CWS: 800-297-1516.
Program Director: Donna Derr dderr@cwsglobal.org