Pakistan floods: NI public raises £100k in first day of chairty appeal
Around 33 million people are affected, approximately 16 million of whom are children and at least 1,200 people have been killed
The public of Northern Ireland has rallied in support of the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Pakistan Floods Appeal, raising £100,000 in just the first 24 hours.
A total of £8 million has been raised across the UK in this period with the support of activist and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and other prominent figures, who were joined by HRH the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in supporting the appeal.
Aid workers are warning that the worst is yet to come for people in flood-hit areas.
Satellite images show one third of the country - an area the size of the UK is underwater.
Around 33 million people are affected, approximately 16 million of whom are children and at least 1,200 people have been killed.
The WHO says that 900 health facilities have been badly damaged, underlining the long-term impact of the disaster.
DEC charities are reaching people with small boats in the worst hit areas to deliver aid or evacuate them where necessary.
However the DEC is urging people to donate as they need more funds to scale up their operations in coordination with the Government of Pakistan and UN agencies.
The UK Government is matching donations up to £5 million, meaning that anything given to the appeal by the public is effectively doubled.
Heart-breaking stories of people caught up in the flooding have also begun to emerge.
Maryam Imtiaz of CARE Pakistan, in Islamabad, said: “With entire villages washed away, families broken and many people sleeping under the sky, the usual social structure that keeps people safe has fallen apart.”
“A few days ago, at an aid distribution point in Quetta, a woman, Mahzeb Bibi*, walked to us in the worst shape of any human being could possibly be.
"She told us she had lost her home and in the middle of the night they were unable to save two women and two children from the rising water, losing four family members overnight. Her grievance and loss are beyond our understanding.”
"We hope that the British public will support us in our hour of need.”
“We know that the worst is yet to come. More rains are on the way bringing more devastation and tragedy for the people of Pakistan.
"We hope that the British public will support us in our hour of need.”
Malala Yousafzai said: "Flooding has displaced millions in Pakistan and swept away homes, schools and entire communities. If you feel compelled, please donate to provide support to people in need.
Your donation, however big or small, will help families survive the immediate shock, build temporary classrooms so children can continue to learn and support recovery efforts for those who've lost so much."
DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said: “Giving through the DEC is the most effective way to get widespread and coordinated assistance to those most in need in Pakistan, as quickly as possible. Our charities are already on the ground distributing life-saving emergency medical care and supplies including tents, food and hygiene kits to those suffering the dire impacts of this crisis.” “Whilst we are hugely grateful for the amount raised on the first day of this appeal, we urgently need further funds to scale up DEC charities’ operations across affected regions and provide immediate assistance to the most vulnerable people. We of course appreciate that it’s a difficult time here in the UK, but the sheer scale of this disaster means people in Pakistan need urgent help to survive – please donate if you can.”
Read More:
Hundreds attend joint funeral for boys who died in Lough Enagh tragedy
Translink announces special services for Garth Brooks Dublin concerts
Hundreds attend vigil for two schoolboys who died in L'Derry lough tragedy
How to listen to Cool FM: