Pakistan High Commissioner Syed Ibne Abbas has appealed to communities in New Zealand to donate to the ‘Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010’ to assist in the relief works now under way after devastating floods affected more than 16 million people in that country.
Torrential rains in North-West Pakistan (especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region) have depressed the mood of the 171 million people of the Islamic Nation, which will mark its 63rd Independence on August 14.
At press time, the unprecedented floods had killed 1600 men, women and children and rendered more than four million people homeless.
The BBC and other news channels have reported destruction of infrastructure, livestock, agricultural crops and other properties throughout the flood-affected region.
New Zealand has announced $2 million in emergency aid.
Foreign Minister Murray McCully said the floods were the worst in living memory.
“It is important that New Zealand supports international efforts to provide emergency shelter, drinking water, food and medical supplies. It is also important that agencies move quickly to avoid further loss of life from disease,” he said.
Mr Abbas said it was difficult to estimate the actual loss.
“The scale of catastrophe is still unfolding and the affected people need immediate assistance. The Pakistan Government is meeting the challenge of providing shelter, food, water, medicines and sanitation to the affected people,” he said.
Labour MP and the Party’s Associate Ethnic Affairs Spokesman Dr Ashraf Choudhary backed the appeal, describing the tragedy as a ‘catastrophe.’
“I appeal to New Zealanders to offer timely help,” he said.
Money can be remitted to the ANZ account of ‘Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010’ (Number 01-0519-0170268-00) at any branch of the Bank in New Zealand.
Another Appeal
The Pakistan Association of New Zealand has issued a similar appeal.
“We appeal for help by advertising, donating or fundraising to alleviate the suffering of our people in Pakistan,” a notification said.
The Association has opened the Pakistan Flood Relief Account at Westpac Bank (Account Number 03-0179-0360734-00)
and has requested donors to offer donations to the best of their ability.
Further details can be obtained on 021-0592688.
Photo: Floods in Pakistan have affected more than 16 million people. Photo Courtesy Oxfam International
