July 18, 2007

Since late June, southern Pakistan has been hit by several cycles of poor weather, including rains affecting the coastal regions of Sindh and Balochistan provinces. Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, was hit by rains that resulted in floods that destroyed at least 500 homes; most seriously tropical cyclone Yemyin hit southern Balochistan and another storm struck Karachi, killing more than 230 people; strong wind gusts brought down houses of many residents living in the city's slums. Up to 250,000 people in Balochistan were affected by the cyclone and killed at least 17 people.

The situation by 30th June worsened, with provincial and army officials now estimating that 10,000 people have perished -- an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 houses have been destroyed in Balochistan alone. The total numbers affected range from 1.5 to 2 million people. Many live in makeshift shelters, in the patched up ruins of their homes or out in the open.

Church World Service Pakistan/Afghanistan has conducted assessments in several of these areas and reports:

Sindh Province (Gadap Town, suburbs of Karachi)

In this area, approximately 1,000 houses have been either severely damaged or completely destroyed. 24 people have been reported dead and 250 injured, including a high number of women and children. 400 livestock are reported missing, though this is considered a low figure and in general, agriculture has been badly affected by the storms, with an estimated economic loss of $3.5 million - a figure that is expected to rise. Among the problems facing survivors of the disaster is that of water contamination. The displaced have been moved to temporary camps, and Church World Service has begun distribution of relief items.

Thatta District

Rains have continued along the costal belt of Thatta and Badin, disrupting life and causing serious damage to agricultural crops; as well, entire villages have been inundated by heavy rains. In one area, 5,200 homes have been destroyed; at least four people have been killed; in another area, 400 villages are reported affected by heavy wind storms and rains. 21,400 families are reported shelterless. 9,730 houses are partly damaged while 5,730 houses are completely destroyed.

Balochistan Province (Turbat District)

Rainfall on 26th June in Turbat, coupled with the floodwater that entered Turbat city and inundating large sections of the city, caused more than 33,000 people to evacuate their houses. In some areas, water supply and drainage systems have been completely destroyed; there are acute food shortages; skin diseases, malaria and other water born diseases are common, with children and women being the most vulnerable and at-risk.

Because CWS has a significant operational presence in the region, it is not anticipated Pakistan's deteriorating political situation (such as hostilities between anti-governmental and military loyalists) will hinder humanitarian response to the flooding.

Response

Church World Service and local partners have been conducting rapid assessments in Gadap Town, Karachi, Sindh Province; Thatta District, Sindh Province; and Turbat District, Balochistan Province. CWS is responding by providing assistance to more than 20,000 households in the three target areas, with the specific objectives of:

Providing house reconstruction materials to 1,000 families in Turbat District, and to 300 families in Thatta District and Gadap.

Providing medical assistance to affected individuals in Turbat, Thatta and Gadap through five mobile health clinics, including preventative and curative services to 33,750 persons, and vaccinations to 15,000 persons.

Fulfilling the hygienic needs of the 2,000 selected families by providing 2,000 hygiene kits and conducting awareness sessions on health and hygiene.

Providing community services and psychosocial support to selected storm/rain affected families.

Providing safe water, safe sanitary facilities to 12,000 families in the target areas.

Training 500 aid workers through two "training of trainers" sessions, one in Karachi and one in Quetta, and four introductory workshops, two in Sindh and 2 two in Balochistan, on Sphere standards.

Contributions to support this emergency appeal may be sent to your denomination or to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN, 46515. Contributions may also be made by credit card online, or by calling: (800) 297-1516, ext. 222.

Media Contact: Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676; lcrosson@churchworldservice.org