20.08.10
Water levels are rising in Pakistan and floods continue to sweep large areas of the country. The ongoing disaster creates increased needs for emergency aid to millions of people in the disaster-hit country. Danish Refugee Council now establishes extraordinary efforts to provide emergency aid for Pakistan.
The scene in Pakistan is chaotic: Waves of men, women and children are pushed forward by the floods. They are forced to escape. Few have managed to bring along a couple of their belongings, others are dragging goats or cattle through the water masses, mud and crowds of people - while thousands have been taken aback by the disaster, and only managed to rescue themselves.
‘What is urgent now, are the basics such as clean water, food, shelter, and access to medical aid. We need all the help possible, and therefore, Danish Refugee Council has decided to establish an extraordinary effort to help the victims in Pakistan’, says Ann Mary Olsen, head of the international department.
More than 20 million people are estimated to be affected by the floods in Pakistan – from north to south, and with constantly intensifying consequences. The international community has been encouraged to respond to the appeal for help. In addition to, providing expert assistance to the United Nations, to ensure the coordination of the aid efforts, the Danish Refugee Council will now strive to provide further aid.
‘Our key competences are providing emergency aid as a rapid response, and with the right expert knowledge. For that reason, we are sending an additional team consisting of emergency aid specialists to Pakistan to aid flood victims’, says Ann Mary Olsen.
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