The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan has been hit with massive flooding, the worst in which the country has seen in decades. This tragedy has killed more than 1,500 people, leaving thousands rendered homeless and more than a million people affected.

The devastation has also hit Punjab and Sindh provinces, as well as part of North West Frontier Province. Death tolls are continuing to rise, as rescue workers on-ground struggle to save more than 27,000 people still trapped by the raging water.

Scores of bridges, roads and buildings have been washed away by the torrents, which were triggered by the exceptionally heavy monsoon rain. Weather forecasters say more rains are due to fall on south and central Pakistan.

The Singapore Red Cross will be making a donation of USD100,000 (or SGD $135,074) in contribution to the immediate relief efforts in Pakistan's flood-ravaged northwest.

The money will be channeled to the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), who has launched an emergency appeal to raise at least CHF 17million to help survivors of the disaster. The money will be used to support at least 25,000 families through its emergency relief distribution of food and non-food items, emergency shelter, health and water and sanitation (WATSAN) activities undertaken by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS). Assistance will also be channelled to the PRCS medical teams who are on the ground treating a range of ailments including injuries, skin infections and respiratory problems.

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has been assisting the affected families with food and non-food items with support of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), in-country PNSs, and the IFRC country delegation. Food and non-food relief items such as tents, tarpaulins, blankets and cooking stoves to families are currently being distributed by volunteers and staff from the PRCS.

The IFRC’s Field Assessment and Coordination Team (FACT) and Regional Disaster Response Team (RDRT) members are currently being mobilised to provide support with assessment, coordination and implementation of relief operations. The team members comprise of experts in logistics, emergency health, shelter, telecommunications, reporting and communication.

Donors who wish to contribute towards the IFRC’s emergency appeal may do so through the following:

i) Cheque donations

Donations via cheque can be sent to the Singapore Red Cross @ 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486. Please include name, contact details and “Pakistan Flood” at the back of the cheque.

ii) Walk-in donations

Donors may make their cash/cheque donations at the Singapore Red Cross @ 15 Penang Lane (near Dhoby Gaut MRT Station) during its office hours, Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5.30pm.