CHURCH WORLD SERVICE: EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM
CWS EMERGENCY APPEAL UPDATE: PAKISTAN 2007 FLOOD RESPONSE
3 October 207


SITUATION

Floods throughout Asia over the summer have disrupted the lives of more
than 66 million - a number larger than the population of France. In
Pakistan, more than 40,000 people remain displaced in camps and
shelters. With the change of seasons, there is concern that colder
weather will cause a surge in acute respiratory infections, particularly
in children. At least 86,000 cases of malaria have been reported and
70,000 people are suffering from gastroenteritis - mostly from drinking
contaminated water.

On the basis of two assessments carried out by CWS-Pakistan, one of the
critical needs that emerged was a clean drinking water source. Use of
contaminated water and lack of hygiene awareness is increasing bacterial
infections and risking lives.  There is no source of safe drinking water
in these villages; women have to go to far off places to fetch water.


CWS RESPONSE

CWS-Pakistan a member of the Action by Churches Together (ACT) alliance
is rehabilitating drinking water sources=E2=80=99 in Thatta District and Sindh
Province. In Thatta, most communities live in abject poverty with no
sustainable means of livelihood. The floods have taken away shelters and
what meager belongings they owned. Residents cannot afford to overcome
their financial losses independently.

CWS-Pakistan's implementing partner is Strengthening Participatory
Organisation (SPO), which is networking with local community based
organizations (CBO). The project will supply 150 to 200 hand pumps for
installation in affected villages in Thatta. Additonally, 1,200 jerry
cans will be provided for storing clean water, 20 health and hygiene
awareness sessions will also be conducted in the villages of Kharo Chann
and Keti Bandar. Assistance to the flood survivors may be expanded
depending on further funding pledges.

CWS also trained community members on how to operate the pumps, the
installation process and construction of a platform and drainage.
Drilling work has been completed in two villages and a 40 feet pipe has
been installed.  A demonstration of the platform construction design was
done in front of the trainees, and they were also shown how to
chlorinate wells. A professional mason will be needed to complete
construction of some facilities.

In addition to safe drinking water, survivors need assistance with house
reconstruction, a teacher for the village school, job opportunities,
boats for fishermen and a proper drainage system.

To date, CWS has received $51,000 in support from US member
denominations and $146,360 from other ACT alliance members in support of
this effort. Further contributions to this appeal are urgently needed.


CWS Information:
For further information about disasters to which Church World Service
is responding please visit www.churchworldservice.org or call the CWS
Hotline, (800) 297-1516.

CWS Emergency Response Program special contacts: (212) 870-3151

Program Director: dderr@churchworldservice.org
International: flumeya@churchworldservice.org
Domestic: lreedbrown@churchworldservice.org

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