District 3272 Flood Relief Efforts

Dear Community Builders and Rotary leaders,

According to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) the floods have affected 14 million people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, South Punjab and Sindh provinces.  Some touching photographs can be seen at the following link:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/08/severe_flooding_in_pakistan.html

Heavy monsoon rains have triggered the worst floods in decades all across Pakistan, killing thousands of people and forcing out millions from their homes.  The floods began in July 2010 after record heavy monsoon rains.  More than 2,000 people were killed, thousands were rendered homeless, and more than fourteen million people were affected.  Some parts of the country were under two meters of water.  Estimates from rescue-service-officials suggest the death-toll may reach 3,000 victims.  Hundreds of homes, bridges and roads have been washed away.  According to a recent estimate of United Nations, the number of people suffering from these massive floods in Pakistan is nearly 14 million, which is more than the combined total of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Pakistan earthquake and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

While rain continues to fall, the delivery of humanitarian aid remains difficult to reach some of the areas that have been hardest hit.  In addition to all the other damage they have caused, flood waters have destroyed much of the health infrastructure in the worst affected areas, leaving inhabitants especially vulnerable to water-borne diseases.

Rotary International District 3272 comprises of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan, and Afghanistan.  Rotary Clubs have taken up the challenge and have started relief efforts to help those in need.  However, the extent of damage is such that massive support is required to handle the current situation.  I had formed a District Disaster Relief Committee at the start of the year but I did not know that it would be put to test so early.  Considering the vast geographical area under floods, the Committee has further been extended and now includes all Deputy Governors and Assistant Governors.  Its members are carrying out their responsibilities to the best of their capabilities.  I, as DG, along with DGE and DGN will provide overall supervision.  We will seek guidance from Past District Governors and other senior Rotary leaders to optimize our relief efforts.

Please see some photographs showing relief efforts of Rotarians in our District.  These are just a few examples, as Rotarians are more committed to providing service to the people in need rather than taking photographs.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=201534&id=542089509&l=46bcb5def4

Rotarians are motivating each other and their friends to contribute generously towards this noble cause.  The District bank details are given below.  The routing instructions are attached with this email.

Account No.  PLS 00-4015-000-3

Account Name: Rotary International District 3272

Bank:  The Bank of Punjab, Cavalry Grounds, Lahore Cantt., Pakistan

Phone: (92 42) 99220635, 9920640

(SWIFT CODE: BPUNPKKA024)

In addition to monetary donations, we will welcome donations in kind which can be used for flood relief work.

Regular updates will be circulated and posted on district website.

Regards,

Shehzad

–

Rtn. Shehzad Ahmed ! District Governor 2010-11

Rotary International District 3272 (Pakistan & Afghanistan) *

242-B Shalimar Lane, Cavalry Grounds Extension, Lahore Cantt, Pakistan

Phone: (92 42) 36667164, 36681251 ! Fax: (92 42) 36667031

Mobile: (92 321) 8402556 ! Email: rotary@promark.com.pk

Website: www.RotaryDistrict3272.org

Home Club: Rotary Club of Lahore Garrison (www.rotarylahoregarrison.org)

P.S. Our mission:

1. END POLIO NOW

2. “Each Rotarian: Reach One, Keep One”