Syracuse, NY -- In response to the flooding in Pakistan that has killed an estimated 1,600 people and left another 1.5 million homeless, local affiliates of international organizations are collecting donations to aid in the relief efforts. Among them is Church World Service’s Upstate New York office. “We need money so we can buy medicines and provide the health...
View full sizeFamilies carry their children across a flooded road in Baseera, Punjab Province, Pakistan, on Friday.Syracuse, NY -- In response to the flooding in Pakistan that has killed an estimated 1,600 people and left another 1.5 million homeless, local affiliates of international organizations are collecting donations to aid in the relief efforts.
Among them is Church World Service’s Upstate New York office.
“We need money so we can buy medicines and provide the health care that these people need,” said Doug Anderson, director of the Upstate office. “We live in an electronic world and it’s easier and faster to send money.”
Anderson said sending money instead of items is not only faster but also allows organizations to buy local products, which helps the community in crisis.
About one fifth of Pakistan is under water from the floods, which began in the northern parts of the country last month. More than 14 million people have been affected by the flooding.
Church World Service has been serving Pakistan since 1954. It is providing food and nonfood relief items, emergency shelters and basic health services, Anderson said. The agency has six mobile health units currently helping the flood survivors.
The agency is urging a more robust response from the international donor community.
“Any amount of money is helpful,” said Jan Dragin, of Church World Service. “In this economy it’s hard for individuals to find the money to donate, but every little bit will help.”
Related news
» Flooding submerges new towns in Pakistan's south [Associated Press]
» Pakistan accepts $5m flood aid from India [BBC]
» Pakistan Flood-Aid Pledges Reach $320 Million as UN Requests $460 Million [Bloomberg]
Contact Sarah Moses at smoses@syracuse.com or 470-2298.