Just over a month ago, unusually heavy monsoon rains resulted in flash flooding and massive landslides in northwestern Pakistan and Kashmir. The initial flooding and landslides have killed at least 1,600 people and displaced over 20,000,000. That is more people without homes and access to food and water than live in the state of New York.
The situation has become more dire as the flow of aid into Pakistan is only a trickle. After the devastation hit, the U.N. immediately called for $500 million in ten days. This funding would cover only the first 90 days of relief efforts, with more needed for long-term rebuilding. But not even half of it has been pledged. In contrast, a similar appeal after the earthquake in Haiti resulted in over $600 million in immediate disaster relief.
Many journalists have tried to dissect why funding to help these vulnerable children and families is so slow. The good news is, there are many incredible organizations on the ground who can respond with our help.
Who is helping:
SeeYourImpact does not have a Pakistan branch, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make an impact on the lives of those in need.
Mercy Corps is helping those in Swat Valley, where flood waters and mud slides have been some of the worst in all of Pakistan. Each donation is spent to provide food, water and tools to help residents survive and rebuild. You can donate through the Mercy Corps website.
The American Red Cross, in conjunction with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent network, has emergency aid workers in Pakistan and more on the way. Donations help provide food, water, and medical treatment to those who need it most. So far the Red Cross has helped over 250,000 Pakistanis so far. You can help fund their mobile care centers and aid workers by donating online at the American Red Cross website or over the phone by dialing 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-435-7669).
AmeriCares emergency relief experts are focusing on sending medical assistance along with necessities to the affected region in Pakistan. They are accepting online donations as well as phone donations at 1-800-486-HELP (4357)
World Vision is distributing food and clean water to those affected in Pakistan. You can support the World Vision’s Flood Relief Fund, which provides emergency aid to flood affected regions, by making an online donation.
Concern Worldwide just launched a Pakistan Emergency Flood Appeal and is seeking donations so they can provide 9,000 families with kitchen sets, hygiene kits, clean water, temporary sanitation, and dry rations of food. Online donations can be made through their website.
Other groups that are making a difference right now are: Direct Relief International, CARE, Catholic Relief Services, Church World Service, Doctor’s Without Borders, International Rescue Committee, Islamic Relief USA, Operation Blessing International, Save the Children, ShelterBox, SOS Children’s Villages, UNICEF, UN Refugee Agency, and World Food Programme any of which could desperately use any help you can provide.
Join the SeeYourImpact team and lend your support to these incredible organizations. Let’s stand by the the vulnerable and displaced in Pakistan. They need our help today.
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