Save the Children International mobilising to help families affected by Pakistan flooding

Save the Children is mobilising supplies and personnel to begin providing emergency assistance to the children and families who have been affected by the unusually heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan, Save the Children New Zealand’s CEO, Liz Gibbs, said today. ‘More than 400 people have died since the rains began 10 days ago, many in parts of Swat Valley and the districts of Shangla and Tank, where floodwaters have swept away hundreds of mud houses. Rushing water has also washed away thousands of acres of crops and dozens of government buildings, local businesses and schools, according our reports from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,’ she said.

‘Our international organisation, which has worked in Pakistan for more than 25 years, is preparing to distribute plastic sheeting for shelters and other household supplies and hygiene kits to 1,000 families in the next 48 hours. At the request of the Pakistan Health Department and the World Health Organisation, Save the Children International has also deployed mobile health teams and ambulances to provide emergency medical treatment in the worst affected areas,’ she said.

‘Save the Children New Zealand launched a Children’s Emergency Fund earlier this year to facilitate ongoing donations for emergencies such as the present floods in Pakistan. This fund has been put in place in light of the numerous emergencies that have occurred recently and to ensure we’re prepared to respond quickly and efficiently to emergency situations like Haiti, Chile, Niger, Pakistan as well as events closer to home when they arise.

'New Zealanders wishing to donate to the Children’s Emergency Fund can visit our website, www.savethechildren.org.nz or call our donation line 0800 167 168,' says Ms Gibbs.

ENDS

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