Singapore contributes seed money to help communities affected by floods in Pakistan
The Singapore government will provide US$50,000 (S$69,700) as seed money to support the Singapore Red Cross’ public fund-raising efforts for Pakistan, which has been devastated by massive floods recently.
The Singapore Red Cross had earlier pledged $50,000 to support the immediate needs of affected communities in Pakistan, including food, emergency shelter, water and sanitation solutions, as well as hygiene items.
Relentless monsoon rains have flooded a third of the country and killed more than 1,100 people.
The rains that began in June have unleashed Pakistan’s worst flooding in more than a decade, washing away swathes of vital crops and damaging or destroying more than a million homes.
The authorities and charities are struggling to accelerate aid delivery to more than 33 million people, a challenging task in areas cut off because many roads and bridges have been critically damaged.
In a statement on Monday, Benjamin William, secretary-general and chief executive of the Singapore Red Cross, said: “The increased risks of water-borne diseases, and the lack of clean water and proper shelter, would put further strain on Pakistan’s health system.”
The Singapore Red Cross’ public fund-raising appeal will run till Nov 30.