ADRA Australia Responds to Pakistan Floods
20th August, 2010
Photo: DVIDSHUB
Wahroonga, New South Wales — The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia is responding to the flooding that has devastated communities in Pakistan, following heavy monsoon rains in the northern provinces during August.
As the flood water recedes ADRA Australia is providing funds to support emergency medical care in an area which has seen 50,000 homes, 47 schools, 3 hospitals and 3 clinics destroyed. In addition, sharp increases in water-borne diseases have already been noted.
“This disaster isn’t just about the destruction of homes and buildings,” said ADRA Australia’s Director of Emergency Management, Chris Olafson. “With cholera and other water-borne diseases are already on the rise, medical assistance is a high priority for the region. We are working with relevant partners in the area, including government response agencies and local hospitals, to assist those affected.”
Upwards of 200,000 people in the region will benefit from ADRA’s response. Medical units are being formed in partnership with Karachi Adventist Hospital and an international response team.
Those suffering from diarrhoea, malaria, cholera, influenza, infections and other diseases and injuries will be treated in specially constructed medical clinics at local schools, hospitals and community centres.
In addition, health education projects are to be set up in schools to raise awareness of water-borne diseases and the best methods of treatment.
Heavy continuous monsoon rains have inundated the northern provinces of Pakistan. Starting on July 30 these torrential rains have resulted in major flooding, 1,500 deaths, the loss of over 6 million family homes and the displacement of approximately 20 million people. With more heavy monsoon rains forecast, government authorities expect the number of dead and displaced people to climb further.
"I will never forget the destruction and suffering I have witnessed,” said U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “In the past I have witnessed many natural disasters around the world, but nothing like this."
ADRA Australia appreciates the concern of our supporters and donors. Donations can be made by calling 1800 242 372 or visiting www.adra.org.au . Any donations not used in response to the Pakistan floods will be allocated to ADRA Australia’s ongoing emergency management activities.
ADRA Australia is a non-government organisation (NGO) engaging in sustainable development projects and emergency management activities for people in need in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa. It is a member of the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) and has full accreditation with the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). It is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and is a signatory to ACFID’s Code of Conduct. ADRA Australia is part of the international ADRA network, which has a presence in 125 countries. ADRA is the worldwide humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For more information about ADRA Australia, or to sign up for email updates, visit www.adra.org.au
ADRA Australia Responds to Pakistan Floods (226 kb)
Media Enquiries:
Braden Blyde
p 02 9489 5488
m 0407 172 305
e news@adra.org.au
www.adra.org.au
