Relief Efforts Continue for Victims of Flooding in Pakistan

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An estimated 20 million people have been affected, and another 1,600 killed, by the recent torrential rains and flooding in Pakistan. Entire villages have been swept away, and the destruction is developing into one of the worst humanitarian disasters in years. International Relief and Development (IRD), in coordination with the Government of Pakistan, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and various international and local humanitarian organizations, is helping thousands of families and children in five of the most heavily affected flood districts in Pakistan. 

IRD is currently distributing tents, sleeping mats, blankets, water purification tablets, jerry cans, and oral rehydration salts. IRD is also sending additional relief personnel to help distribute supplies and assist those families in urgent need of food, water, medicine, and shelter.

“Millions of people are homeless and without a livelihood,” said Sajjad Imran, IRD’s Pakistan Country Director. The recent floods have devastated the region and “washed away houses, properties, public infrastructure, livestock, and the entire supply chain.”

In some of the most heavily affected districts, including D. I. Khan and Tank, IRD has existing operations and relationships with local government officials and with those hit hardest by torrential flooding. This capacity allows IRD to immediately ramp up critically needed relief efforts. 

Donors like LDS Charities; Help International; World Emergency Relief UK and Netherlands; Medical, Education, Training and Development (METAD); Lutheran World Relief; the Essef Foundation; as well as many individuals, have confidence in IRD’s track record and have already shown their support as partners with IRD in providing emergency assistance to the people of Pakistan. However, additional cash contributions are critical to continuing these relief efforts and reaching even more people in the hardest hit districts and local settlements.

To support IRD’s Pakistan flood response, individuals can donate online at www.ird.org or call 1-866-595-1100. To date, IRD has raised more than $2.2 million in gift-in-kind donations and cash contributions from individuals, faith-based groups, private foundations, and other institutional donors.

More information on IRD’s work in Pakistan can be found at www.ird.org/what/countries/pakistan.html. You can also stay up-to-date on the latest Pakistan floods relief efforts at www.ird.org, by following @ird_relief on Twitter, joining us on Facebook, or becoming a contact on Flickr.

To schedule an interview on IRD’s work in Pakistan and the international response to the Pakistan floods, please contact Melissa Price at press@ird-dc.org or 571-366-1596.