(Washington, D.C. 8/03/11) A report by Islamic Relief, a non-profit relief and development organization, indicates that the international response has been insufficient to help Pakistan recover from last year’s devastating floods—the country’s worst natural disaster on record.
The floods in the summer of 2010 forced 11 million people from their homes, killing nearly 2,000 people and destroying 1.7 million homes. According to the World Health Organization, millions more have since become ill from waterborne diseases, with the total death toll unknown. According to Islamic Relief’s newly released report, at least 8 million people still need basic health care, food, shelter, or schooling.
In the immediate aftermath of the floods, Islamic Relief teams were deployed to assist Pakistan’s struggling villages. Islamic Relief quickly sent emergency relief to the most affected areas, providing more than 18,000 food packs, 12,500 kitchen sets, and 17,000 hygiene kits; building more than 3,300 temporary shelters; installing water filtration plants and latrines; and providing health services. In addition, Islamic Relief projects on the ground continue to provide long-term assistance such as technical and financial support to improve natural resource management, vocational skills, and physical infrastructure.
“It has been a year since last year’s devastating floods,” said Anwar Khan Islamic Relief USA’s Vice President of Fund Development, who recently returned from a trip to the region. “Many survivors are worried about the rains this year. Humanitarian aid has helped some areas with reconstruction, but many people are still living in temporary shelters after a year. They are facing another summer with temperatures over 100F and no electricity. Children are still dying from contaminated water in some areas. The help that has been received is appreciated, but much more is needed.”
According to the United Nations, up to six million people could be affected by floods during the coming monsoon season. According to the report, a United Nations appeal for $1.9 billion is $603 million short, with the gap highest contributions to housing, agriculture and food security.
Islamic Relief USA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)humanitarian organization with eight consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and disease regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief USA aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish sustainable local development projects, allowing communities to better help themselves.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Asma Yousef
Public Relations Representative
(703) 582-5880
ayousef@irusa.org