WORLD NEWS & EVENTS
Pakistan Floods
Aid begins to reach flood-affected families in Pakistan
(From http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/pda/aid-begins-reach-flood-affected-families-pakistan/)
SITUATION REPORT UPDATE
PAKISTAN FLOODING
AUGUST 12, 2010
The torrential rains and flooding that struck Pakistan in recent weeks continue. There is now an estimated 1,600 dead and about 1.5 million people are now homeless. Pakistan officials say that 14 million people are affected. The floods, which began in the northern parts of country, have spread to four provinces covering about 82,000 square miles. ( Pakistan's total square miles: 340,132.) Most affected are the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh.
The floods hit as the country continues to struggle to recover from five years of successive disasters. In 2005, a massive earthquake devastated parts of Pakistan. 2006 and 2007 brought floods that claimed lives, destroyed homes and killed livestock. In 2008, another powerful earthquake rendered thousands homeless in Balochistan at the onset of winter, and in 2009 millions were displaced as a result of conflict between the Pakistan military and militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Waziristan. Throughout these disasters, droughts and water shortages have also plagued the region, crippling its agricultural system and food supply.
Presbyterian Response:
With thousands still living in makeshift shelters, still trying to recover from previous disasters, food and shelter are the most urgent needs. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has been working quickly with our ecumenical partners on the ground to distribute essential aid to families and deliver critical relief to people affected by this crisis. Assistance includes food and non-food relief items, emergency shelter and basic health services.
In cooperation with other ACT Alliance members on the ground, the emergency distribution of relief items including shelter items and food packages have reached 155,200 people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. ACT members and our long-term ecumenical partner in Pakistan Church World Service (CWS) are working to reach even more.
Specific Response:
--Food packages are being distributed directly to affected families at convenient food distribution points established in each community and consist of 44 lbs. each of wheat flour and rice, 4 lbs. each of beans and sugar, 10 cups of cooking oil, 7 oz. of tea, and a box of iodized salt.
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--The shelter kits include winterized tents and the plastic sheets, 6 x 4 meters.
--Health care through mobile health units include patient examinations, providing essential drugs and pre-natal care.
--An assessment of the particular nutrition needs and status of children under 5 years of age in beneficiary families to determine if supplemental food resources are required in later weeks is underway.
How you can help:
Although some aid is getting through, the continued rains and flooding are creating difficulties in rescue and relief operations; bridges throughout the country have been washed away from flooding and landslides; poor weather has also grounded relief helicopters. You can stand in the gap for disaster survivors and help the church in this response.
GIVE . The generous sharing of your financial blessings through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and special designated giving provides the resources needed to assist with immediate emergency needs, long-term and unmet needs and spiritual/emotional counseling.
Individuals may give through their local Presbyterian congregation, on the secure PC(USA) Web site or by sending their check to:
Presbyterian Church ( U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Please include the special designated giving account DR000038 - Pakistan. Congregations should send donations through their normal mission giving channels.
ACT . Stay informed and share information about the need with others. Sign up to receive PDA Rapid Information Network (PDA-RIN) email notices to alert you of additional needs.
PRAY . Please lift up in prayer those displaced from their homes by the flooding, those in need of basic supplies, and those who are working to offer assistance. Pray that weather conditions improve so that delivery of much needed relief supplies can reach their distribution points.
January 2010
Respond to the earthquake in Haiti
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We give thanks that the PC(USA) mission personnel and mission groups in Haiti at the time of the earthquake are safe and accounted for. Join other Presbyterians in the ongoing response to this disaster as you give, act and pray.
Give – Financial support for relief efforts can be made online and designated to DR000064. Gifts can also be made by phone at (800) 872-3283, and checks can be mailed to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.
Act – Prepare for a special worship service in your congregation this Sunday using the hymn, bulletin inserts and other worship resource available from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). Congregations and individuals can also put together hygiene kits and baby kits to be distributed through Church World Service. For information, visit the CWS Web site.
Pray – Join with others in lifting up the people of Haiti and those seeking to provide aid in this critical time. As the eyes of the world turn to Haiti, let us join our hearts in prayer.
Church Resources:
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