3.5 Million People Affected and 1500 dead: Helping Hand for Relief and Development Immediate Emergency Response Pakistan Flood Relief

SOMERSET, N.J., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This year's monsoon season caused the worst floods in the history of Pakistan. Flood waters have devastated and washed away hundreds of villages in its course. The death toll has passed 1500 and the floods have affected over 3.5 million people across Pakistan.

According to Helping Hand for Relief and Development's (HHRD) Emergency Response Team, thousands are stuck on rooftops, have limited access to survival and are facing water borne diseases. People from the remote areas are walking 8 to 10 hours to reach a place where food could be available. Some displaced people are staying with relatives but many are sleeping out in the open. They have lost their houses, shops, and livestock. They cannot reach for help due to damage to paved roads and bridges. Lack of drinking water is a constant threat for the health of millions.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD)'s Emergency Response:

Currently HHRD is actively providing emergency relief across the country.  This includes District Swat, Buner, Dir, Char Sadha and Mianwali.

Before the floods, Helping Hand for Relief and Development was present in the area, administering skills and vocational training centers and basic health units. These centers have also been heavily damaged due the floods. HHRD's presence allowed them to respond with immediate emergency relief:

• Food Distributions: Food package distributions have been made to more than 8000 people as of August 5th, 2010.
• Medical Assistance: More than 500 patients are receiving treatment and medicines at HHRD's medical camps each day. HHRD started providing emergency health access to affected areas immediately after the floods hit.
• Shelter: Tent distribution is being made to help those whose houses have been washed away by the floods.

Comprehensive Primary Health Care Services are being provided in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO), and HHRD is running a Mother Child Health Center as well. Ambulance services are also being provided.

About Helping Hand for Relief and Development:

Helping Hand for Relief and Development is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. Tax ID# 31-1628040.

To donate please visit www.hhrd.org or call 1-888-808-4357 (HELP)

Contact information:

Azmat Akbar - Program Officer: Emergency Response - HHRD Pakistan: +92-336-9297418

Fazlur Rahman - Country Director Pakistan – HHRD Pakistan: +92-334-5132877

SOURCE Helping Hand for Relief and Development