FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 3, 2007 Contact: Eric Block, 206-321-4957

-- More than 20 million people affected by immense floods

-- Pakistan relief efforts continue to reach stranded residents

PORTLAND, Ore. - Epic floods, described by many as the worst in living memory, are deluging large swaths of India, Nepal and Pakistan. Mercy Corps is continuing its relief efforts in Pakistan, and the global humanitarian agency is prepared and well-positioned to expand its lifesaving emergency relief efforts through offices located throughout the affected region.

More than 20 million people have either been forced from their homes by rising floodwaters or are trapped in their submerged villages, cut off from swamped roads that lead to safety. At least 1,000 people are reported dead or injured, and teams on the ground warn that the number of casualties will rise sharply in the coming days.

"Our offices across South Asia report that this is unprecedented flooding," said John Stephens, Mercy Corps' South Asia Program Officer. "Especially among these dense, poor populations, this disaster's human toll will prove staggering."

Mercy Corps is deep into a major response to flooding in Pakistan, where relief workers continue to reach stranded residents with humanitarian supplies. The agency has reached 11,000 households with emergency kits - stocked with rice, oil, sugar, bottled water, soap and other basic supplies - and continues to truck 400,000 liters of water each day to ten distribution points. The agency also operates a cash-for-work program that gives local residents a way to earn an income by clearing debris, repairing bridges and other infrastructure, and has opened three health camps in small rural health facilities.

Mercy Corps has operated in South Asia for decades, and currently works with communities and local partners in India, Nepal and Pakistan. The agency has extensive experience responding to disasters and crises in southern Asia, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2001 Gujarat earthquake and the 2005 Pakistan earthquake.

HOW TO HELP:

Mercy Corps South Asia Monsoon Dept. NR PO Box 2669 Portland, Oregon 97208 www.mercycorps.org 800.852.2100

Mercy Corps works amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1.3 billion in assistance to people in 100 nations. Supported by headquarters offices in North America, Europe and Asia, the agency's unified global programs employ 3,400 staff worldwide and reach nearly 14.4 million people in more than 35 countries. For more information, visit www.mercycorps.org.

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