Muslim Aid has responded to the cyclone that has killed more than 380 people, by providing aid in the region of £250,000 to help those in need, with the assistance of its partner organisation, Global Medic of Canada.

A further two million have been affected by the cyclone and rains that have swept through Pakistan last week. Global Medic will be providing assistance in kind, while Muslim Aid's financial contributions will be used to purchase much-needed relief aid.

"The situation is still quite desperate," said Hamid Azad, Head of Overseas Programmes at Muslim Aid. "We are appealing for a further £250,000 to provide assistance to those affected by this disaster."

The south-western Pakistani province of Baluchistan bore the brunt of the cyclone, with heavy monsoon rains and winds lashing through the towns. Many residents have been without drinking water and electricity for days, with their situation exacerbated by the continuing heavy storms.

In association with Global Medic, Muslim Aid will be able to provide 70,000 people a day with clean drinking water.

Muslim Aid's Pakistan office responded immediately to the emergency, first carrying out a rapid assessment of some of the affected areas. Gadap Town in Karachi was one of the worst-hit areas, with Saturday's tornado demolishing 1,000 houses and damaging a further 4,000.

Initial emergency relief activities have since commenced in Gadap Town, the Thatta coastal belt and the remote Keti Bunder islands, with supplies of drinking water distributed to residents in these areas. Building materials were also purchased for the construction of shelters in Gadap Town and Sajawal District, near Karachi, and will benefit more than 100 families.

Muslim Aid is currently utilizing the services of about 120 volunteers to distribute the much-needed aid to the survivors. Global Medic will be sending an emergency team to the disaster area, and Muslim Aid's Sri Lanka office has also sent a disaster response unit.

Muslim Aid Pakistan is also in talks with other NGOs' and relief organisations working in the area to avoid duplication of work. This ensures all relief efforts are coordinated to provide the more efficient use of funds.

(ENDS)