ASIA/PAKISTAN - Appeal of the Church to the international community: "Urgent help is needed for the victims of the floods"

Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) - "We appeal to the international community to urgently help Pakistan, affected by the floods that have caused enormous destruction. Although we appreciate the efforts of government institutions, the Pakistani army, various religious organizations and all people of good will, we need broader support to deal with the emergency and rehabilitate the victims of this natural catastrophe": this is what Archbishop Joseph Arshad, Bishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi and President of the Bishops' Conference of Pakistan said to Agenzia Fides, while the nation is facing the disastrous consequences of the floods that have submerged a third of the country.
"We are working intensely on humanitarian assistance. Thousands of vulnerable people - he points out - are internally displaced and seek help to survive. The devastating floods, which have hit Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh provinces in particular, have caused severe damage with loss of life, suffering, loss of homes and livelihoods. A lot of people are desperate".
"The country, all political and religious leaders, government and social institutions are doing their best showing a united effort, but it must be done soon and any help from the international community is welcome. Do not leave us alone in this hour of pain and need", says the Bishop.
Msgr. Arshad also thanks Pope Francis who has prayed and expressed his closeness and solidarity with the people of Pakistan and has asked international institutions to finance initiatives and cooperation programs to help Pakistan. "May the Lord bless all those who, in all parts of the world, bring aid to the victims of this calamity, showing love and solidarity to the destitute, marginalized and displaced", he concludes.
In response to appeals from Pakistan, especially for housing, food security, water, sanitation, to be allocated to more than 222,000 displaced people in camps and temporary settlements, the United Nations Refugee Agency, the International Organization for migration and the national NGO "Hands" will deliver 3,400 tents to the country starting from September 13.
Humanitarian aid also continues to come from the Red Crescent, the Red Cross, and Caritas. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 9/9/2022)

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