Over the past few days, we’ve had a lot of folks asking about the flooding in Pakistan and how the American Red Cross is playing a part in the relief operation. So I wanted to take a few minutes to explain the American Red Cross’s role as part of the global Red Cross network.  

 

When disaster strikes, the local Red Cross is the first to respond. So for instance, when the flooding began, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society was on the scene. But when the disaster is large enough that immediate needs exceed the capabilities of the local society, they can reach out for additional assistance from members of the global Red Cross network. As part of that network, the American Red Cross can immediately respond by providing cash (which reduces the time and cost of delivery and also stimulates the local economy), deploying skilled volunteers, mobilizing relief supplies or providing additional financial assistance.

 

In the case of the Pakistan flooding, the Pakistan Red Crescent immediately sprang into action and mobilized their countrywide network of more than 130,000 volunteers. Since then, those volunteers have been working around the clock, providing hundreds of thousands with food, relief supplies and medical aid. But since this is the worst flooding in 80 years, the Pakistan Red Crescent reached out to the global network, and the American Red Cross responded to the call; we provided $100,000 in immediate financial support and sent $150,000 worth of tarps, sleeping mats, buckets and water containers from our Dubai warehouse. Since then, the American Red Cross has committed another $1 million in financial support, and we stand ready to assist as needed.

 

The devastation in Pakistan is staggering. As much as one fifth of the country has been affected by flooding, with widespread loss of crops, livestock, roads and bridges. Entire communities have been cut off posing logistical challenges in a disaster zone that rivals the size of the United Kingdom. The lack of clean water and medication are causing deadly illnesses, and snake bites have become a major medical issue. Given the circumstances, we estimate that in the near term, at least 6 million people will need humanitarian assistance.

 

If you would like to help provide relief to those affected by the flooding in Pakistan you can make a donation online or by calling 314.516.2800. You can designate your donation directly to the Pakistan Relief Effort, or contribute to our International Relief Fund, which allows us to respond immediately for any international disaster.

 

Thanks for your support and stay tuned for the latest!  

 

Lindsey