Raging flood waters began destroying as much as one-fifth of the country of Pakistan more than a month ago. According to the United Nations, as many as 8 million people are directly affected and dependent on aid.
Most of the population of Pakistan lacks access to clean water. An astounding number of children, 3.5 million, are now at risk of contracting water borne diseases. Many believe a second wave of deaths will occur in the aftermath of the flooding.
Government officials say they are overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster as a million more people have been displaced in recent days.
Some Americans (and some Kossacks) are wary of helping a country perceived as being influenced by fundamentalist religious groups and a corrupt government/military. But the vast majority of people suffering in Pakistan are the women, the children, and the families. They are victims of their government's problems, and now, this ecological catastrophe. Most importantly, the lives of millions of human beings are in immediate danger. How can you help?
- Support independent relief organizations. Pakistan-based groups are needed to fill in the gaps for government and military aid. Local groups have a high rate of success in getting help to neglected areas and disbursing aid from international groups.
- Confront and prevent climate change. Pakistan's floods are the latest in a series of recent climate caused ecological disasters. We must address the causes of climate change by demanding that WE (our leaders, ourselves) focus on reducing carbon emissions and invest in renewable energy.
- Support the progress of women. Aid to women empowers women, increases literacy, and thereby alleviates poverty among women and families. The Global Fund for Women is doing great work with women's groups in Pakistan.
- Call on the U.S. government to decrease military spending and increase humanitarian aid. The United States spent over $100 billion on Pakistan-related military efforts in the last year. Approximately $150 million has been pledged to Pakistan flood relief efforts.
- Tell Congress to relieve Pakistan of debt. The U.S. should lead the international community by offering Pakistan a moratorium on debt repayment and should offer assistance in the form of grants, rather than loans. Please sign the debt relief petition below. Additionally, the U.S. should remove the 17% tariff imposed on textiles and clothing from Pakistan. More than one-half of Pakistani people are employed by growing cotton or weaving/sewing it into cloth. Ending the tariff would result in a $5 billion per year economic surge from textile exports.
Thank you so much for reading. Please donate, if you can. Many reputable relief organizations are linked below. If you are unable to donate, please consider the above suggestions. Doing just one will be immensely helpful.
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Greg (Three Cups of Tea, Stones Into Schools) Mortenson's non-profit (CAI) recommends supporting a local (Pakistani) group to which donations will likely have a large, immediate, and lasting impact-
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Human Development Foundation
http://www.hdf.com
(800) 705 1310
DONATE
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Other groups that deserve support as well.
Doctors without Borders (MSF):
DONATE
The Red Cross:
DONATE
OXFAM:
DONATE
UNICEF:
DONATE
Toll free: 1-800-FOR-KIDS (1-800-367-5437)
Text: "Text FLOODS to 864233 (UNICEF) to donate $10"
Shelterbox:
DONATE
ShelterBox tents in Shishkat upper Hunza, Pakistan
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From the US State dept.
How You Can Help:
Text "FLOOD" to 27722. Your $10 will go to the State Department Fund for Pakistan Relief that Secretary Clinton announced August 19, and is part of a new effort to bring attention to the need for aid.
Text "SWAT" to 50555 ; $10 goes to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees fund for flood victims
We are looking at what may be the worst humanitarian crisis the world has seen in a century.
Some of us at Daily Kos use a Google group to help organize for the crisis in Pakistan. Anyone who would like to get involved or get alerts when a new HELP PAKISTAN diary is posted, please join.
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