August 31, 2010

FLOODS IN PAKISTAN: APPEAL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

Floods ravaging all four provinces of Pakistan since July 2010 have caused major loss of lives, livestock and property. An estimated 2000 people have lost their lives, 200 thousand live stock washed away and 20 million people have been rendered homeless. The floods cover 20 per cent of the land mass of the country and have affected 10 per cent of its population. Standing crop have also been damaged and made sowing for next season difficult. Stocked grains and fodder have also been washed away.

This is a moment of crisis for Pakistan and its people. The current crisis will have its effect on the country for years to come. Water borne diseases are also emerging which may spread to larger areas. UNICEF estimates that 3.5 million children are at risk of water borne diseases. The U.N, office of Humanitarian Assistance has estimated requirement of 460 million dollars for relief measures. It is reported that about 55 per cent of the amount has already been received by Pakistan and the rest are in pledges. India’s offer of 5 million USD as relief has already been accepted by the government of Pakistan.

Pakistan-India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) appeals to all members and people of India and elsewhere to contribute to the efforts of Pakistan Chapter of PIPFPD to undertake relief and medical treatment of the affected people. The Forum appeals for cash contributions but the immediate requirement in Pakistan is that of food and medicine. We are working out modalities of sending across relief material mainly food and medicines required in first-aid and for treatment of common ailments. Cash contributions can be sent to the address mentioned below in the form of cheque/ bank draft drawn in favour of “Pakistan-India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy.”

Bank details:

SB Account Name: Pakistan India People’s Forum for Peace & Democracy

Account No: 404285169

IFSC Code: IDIB000S002

Bank Name: Indian Bank, Address: Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi 110 029

The contributions collected will be sent to the Pakistan Chapter of PIPFPD who will coordinate relief efforts in the flood affected areas. Names and details of the donors will be put up on the PIPFPD website (pipfpd.org)

Address for sending cheque/bank draft.

PIPFPD

Secretariat

J-42 (second floor),

South Extension Part I
New Delhi - 110 049
Tel: 011 24629372, 24629373, 9871415186,

Fax: 011 41042271

In solidarity with the suffering people.

Ravi Hemadri

Joint Secretary