World Jewish Relief's Emergency appeal: Pakistan floods

These are the worst floods to hit Pakistan since 1929. In addition to a rising number of deaths, injuries and displacements, there is major damage to housing, roads, bridges, infrastructure in general, and livelihoods, while communications and utilities are also affected. Flood waters have devastated agricultural land and killed livestock. Roads and bridges have been affected, leaving some areas cut off and, with the flood levels due to rise, there is a risk that many more people could find themselves homeless. Tens of thousands remain stranded in areas cut off by rising flood waters and have gathered in public places seeking shelter and assistance. However, actual figures could be higher as communication networks in many areas are still disrupted.

The worst affected areas in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are Nowshera, Charsadda, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Dera Ismaili Khan and Tank.

A state of emergency was declared by the Pakistan government after the meteorological department said an "unprecedented" 312mm of rain had fallen in 36 hours in north-western areas. Forecasts suggest that the extreme rains will continue for three more days and water sources have been contaminated by the floods.

Massive rescue and relief operations are taking place all over the affected parts of the country, with the Pakistan Army mobilising some 30,000 troops, medical teams, boats and dozens of helicopters for the relief effort. The National Disaster Management Agency has distributed its own relief stocks, and has requested international humanitarian agencies to help with further needs.

The situation for thousands of people who have lost homes, livelihoods and possessions remains precarious and relief efforts must be scaled up to meet the growing humanitarian needs. Many affected communities have still not been reached and further rains are forecast in the coming days.

World Jewish Relief has already been approached by a number of international partners seeking support for the purchase of non-food items, emergency shelter, immediate health care and materials to assist in the provision of clean water and sanitation. WJR now urgently seeks financial support to assist in the provision of shelter materials (particularly tarpaulins), kitchen sets and water purification tablets.

World Jewish Relief has for many years responded to major international disasters on behalf of the UK Jewish community, meeting the needs of disaster victims irrespective of their race, nationality or religion. In December 2005, WJR's significant response to the devastating Pakistan earthquake that killed over 70,000 people, enabled schools and health clinics to be built quickly after the disaster and which remain active today.

To donate, and for more information, click here