Red Cross raises funds for Pakistan flood crisis

As the humanitarian crisis deepens due to devastating flooding in Pakistan, Australian Red Cross is urging people to support the Pakistan floods response operation.

Rains, floods and landslides have impacted more than 33 million people in different parts of Pakistan since 14 June 2022, with abnormally high monsoon rainfall meaning that some provinces have experience nearly five times more rain than the past 30-year average.

“Australian Red Cross is raising funds to support our response to the flooding in Pakistan,” said Red Cross Head of International Humanitarian Programs, Adrian Prouse.

“Our hearts go out to those affected, with the tragic loss of so many lives and the misery and hardship this crisis is bringing. More than 1.1 million homes have been damaged or destroyed by the massive floods, leaving over 3 million people displaced and in severe dangerew N.

“The worst flood in more than a decade has also swept away livestock and wiped out an estimated two million acres of food crops, with dire consequences for millions of people across the country. Pakistan Red Crescent has been on the ground since the start, with personnel at national, provincial and district levels in the affected areas.

“It is clear that climate change is playing a role in these floods and other devastating disasters in Pakistan and across the world. Australians always give generously at times like these and we are grateful for their continued support with this emergency.”

Funds will be raised via the International Disaster Fund and directed to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC)s Emergency Pakistan Appeal.  

The support may include:

• Emergency relief assistance including health, water and sanitation and shelter initiatives
• Specialist aid workers to assist local teams to respond
• Working in affected areas to strengthen resilience and deliver effective relief and recovery services
• Program support and monitoring and evaluation of the assistance provided on the ground

Chairman of Pakistan Red Crescent, Abrar ul Haq, said the worst flood in more than a decade is devatting millions of lives and livelihoods: “Everywhere we look, homes, farmland, and critical infrastructure has been submerged. We are doing all we can to take people to safety and provide critical relief, but much more assistance is needed.”

The Australian Red Cross fund will remain open to 31 October 2022 and in the unlikely event that the funds raised exceed the amount required to meet the emergency needs of people in affected areas, or if there are circumstances beyond Red Cross’ control, excess funds will be directed to our work in international crises. Any funds received after 31 October will also be directed to our work in international crises.

To donate visit redcross.org.au/international

Media contact: Red Cross media 1800 733 443 and media@redcross.org.au