PRESS RELEASE

Washington D.C.

July 02, 2007

Emergency in Pakistan: PAL-C Urges International Community to Aid Flood Victims

Washington, D.C.: The Pakistani American Leadership Center (PAL-C) is deeply saddened by the loss of life in Pakistan due to the devastation caused by Cyclone Yemyin and days of torrential rain in the provinces of Balochistan and Sindh.

Official government reports show an estimated 2 million people affected by the floods and 250 deaths. In Balochistan 60% of the affected areas are still not accessible due to flooding and damage to road infrastructure. Large scale displacement is reported, with some still waiting rescue in the hardest hit areas. Rescue operations are only possible through helicopters or heavy vehicles. There is an urgent need for rescue services in Oraki village while shelter and food are needed in Lasbela district. Spraying and other vector control methods should be applied to prevent mosquito breeding and water-borne diseases could become a serious problem. The District Health Officers from Kech and Lesbela have requested for essential drugs as there is acute shortage

PAL-C, on behalf of the Pakistani American community, extends its condolences and deepest sympathies to the victims, their families and friends. PAL-C strongly urges the international community to provide humanitarian aid and relief to the victims of the floods and vows to work with all parties to provide assistance to the government of Pakistan.

The Pakistani American Leadership Center (PAL-C) is the only professional Pakistani-American advocacy organization that is located on Capitol Hill. It launched the Congressional Pakistan Caucus in May 2004 and works to raise awareness about Pakistani-American interests in Washington policy circles. Our activities include managing the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, liaisoning Pakistani officials and the community with Members of Congress, and mobilizing all Pakistani-Americans at the grassroots level. If you wish to learn more about PAL-C, please visit our website www.pal-c.org or email us at info@pal-c.org.

Images from Pakistan's Floor Disaster Areas

To access News Archives, please click here