Pakistan floods: how you can help
reproduced from ABC Radio National
The UN estimates more than 20 million people have been made homeless by monsoonal floods that have affected 20 per cent of Pakistan's total land area.
As at 11am Friday, the Unicef appeal has raised $859,384, including a $250,000 donation from the NSW government.
An estimated ten million of those are surviving on unsafe drinking water; outbreaks of disease from gastro to cholera have been reported.
17 million acres of farmland have been flooded, and farmers may not be able to return in time to replant for the next growing season; 200,000 livestock have died.
The Red Cross has reported that unexploded mines and live artillery shells have been flooded downstream, posing a further danger.
Aid is desperately needed, and it's not arriving fast enough.
International aid agencies are hoping for cash donations, although there might be opportunities for volunteering in the longer term. They are not requesting any goods or surplus personal products.
The following agencies have been endorsed by Aus Aid because they are practiced in delivering aid to the region; have been checked for their corporate governance and have been endorsed by Pakistan authorities. Please give generously and consider if you can create a payment plan through credit card deductions or workplace giving.
UNICEF Australia is assisting women and families, including an estimated 7.5 million children affected by the floods. UNICEF has been tasked with providing immediate relief like food, water sanitation and hygiene but is working alongside other UN agencies for long term recovery.
Please donate now at unicef.org.au or call them on either 1300 884 233 or1300 134 071.
It is not the only charity organisation involved in aid efforts in Pakistan. ACFIC (Australian Council for International Development) lists these member agencies who are working to help:
Act for Peace – NCCA (National Council of Churches of Australia)
ActionAid Australia (Former Aust Care)
Australia for UNHCR
CARE Australia
Caritas Australia
CBM Australia (Christian Blind Missionaries)
Oxfam Australia
Plan International Australia
Phone: 13 7526
Save the Children Australia
World Vision Australia
Phone: 13 32 40
You can also make donations to the appeal at any branch of any bank by using these details:
The account is the UNICEF Pakistan Flood Appeal.
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