Around 400 people killed, 300,000 affected within the last three days
(Washington, D.C., 7/30/10) – Islamic Relief USA, a Washington, D.C.-area aid group with offices across the country, is launching an emergency campaign to aid the more than 300,000 victims of flashfloods and landslides in northwest Pakistan.
Hundreds of homes and thousands of acres of farmland were destroyed in the North-West Frontier Province and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, uprooting entire communities and isolating victims, according to media reports.
Government officials cite that around 400 people are dead with the toll steadily climbing, but aid workers claim a little higher number.
“There were no boats, so we had to use our beds or inflate tubes to float to safer places,” said Ghani Mohammad of Charsadda, one of the worst-affected districts. “We have not received any help. There is no food and no water.” CEO of Islamic Relief USA, said, “Confusion and desperation are spreading amongst the victims as conditions worsen and supplies dwindle,” “We are calling on all Americans of different backgrounds to help.”
Islamic Relief USA emergency’s appeal will help provide food, water, clothing, and shelter to the thousands of flood victims. Field workers collaborate closely with local organizations to ensure efficiency and deliver aid to those in most need. Donations can be made at www.IslamicReliefUSA.org.
Islamic Relief has been working in Pakistan and the Pakistani-administered regions of Kashmir for nearly two decades. In 2005, Islamic Relief helped raise more than $70 million in aid for the victims of the deadly earthquake in northern Pakistan.
Islamic Relief has also successfully implemented development projects that focus on orphan support, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, and vocational training.
Inspired by Islam’s values on charitable giving and community development, IR USA is a relief organization dedicated to alleviating poverty through disaster relief and development projects in the U.S. and globally for communities regardless of color, race, religion, or creed.
For the seventh consecutive year, Islamic Relief USA has been awarded four stars by Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in the country. This prestigious award puts Islamic Relief among the top 2.25 percent of charities in the nation. To learn more, visit, www.islamicreliefusa.org.
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Media Contact: Rabiah Ahmed at 202-439-1441, rahmed@islamicreliefusa.org