UCC sends flood aid to partners in Pakistan

> UCC sends flood aid to partners in Pakistan

> August 10, 2010

With the monsoon season only half over, more heavy rains are expected
to affect Pakistan's already water-logged lands. The worst natural
disaster in the nation's recent history has killed more than 1,400
people and displaced more than 1.5 million.

The flooding, which began in northwest Pakistan, has surged into the
country's agricultural heartland ? the Punjab. Hundreds of villages
have been submerged, and some 13.8 million people have been affected
by the flooding, according to Maurizio Giuliano, information officer
for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. At
least 6 million people are in immediate need of food and other basic staple s.

In response, the UCC sent an initial $15,000 from One Great Hour of
Sharing funds to Church World Service, along with a pledge to raise
additional funds. Church World Service, in coordination with partners
in Pakistan, is providing immediate relief aid, including shelter
items, food packages and health services.

The flooding also has threatened food security in Pakistan. According
to Church World Service, thousands of additional lives could be lost
if food aid and shelter do not reach affected communities in the coming day s.

The UCC's Global Sharing of Resources office has asked UCC members to
pray for the people of Pakistan, their leaders, and all emergency
response workers.