PHASE I - ALLIANCE OF PAKISTAN FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS IN-KIND DONATIONS DRIVE

Background Information

Since the beginning of August 2011, monsoon rains have caused widespread flooding in southern Pakistan affecting 5 million people. The recent floods have exacerbated the situation in Sindh Province, where communities are still recovering from last year’s floods. Nearly 1 million homes have been partially or fully destroyed and an estimated 222,000 people are in temporary camps.The most acute needs are shelter, food security, water, sanitation hygiene and health.

The Pakistan government disaster management agency, NDMA, is leading the disaster response, with support from other relevant government agencies. The Red Cross, and various UN agencies are at work on the response, including the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), World Food Program (WFP) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).  The Office of Secretary-General of United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon recently issued this statement: “We call for solidarity of the international community in support of disaster management and risk reduction in Pakistan.”

Call to Action

In response to the most devastating floods in the last 51 years and keeping in perspective a united effort in the Greater Houston Area, more than thirty (30) organizations, community leaders, and media partners have joined efforts and established the Alliance of Pakistan Floods Relief Efforts to serve those affected.

Given the magnitude of these floods and considering the encouraging statement issued by the UN, the Alliance would like to invite the City of Houston International Department and City of Houston Officials to support the Alliance’s efforts by facilitating a joint press conference to create awareness and give the Houston international community the opportunity to help the millions of women, men and children affected by these devastating floods.

The first phase of the Alliance’s efforts will be an in-kind donation drive that will continue until October 16th, 2011. The second phase will be a fundraising event scheduled to be held also in October 2011.

Mr. Saeed Sheikh, president Houston-Karachi Sister City, is the Alliance’s Coordinator.