NZ NGOs assisting those hit by biggest flood in decades

16 August 2007

"This is not your typical monsoon".That's the word coming in from NZ overseas aid and development groups struggling to meet the needs of people affected by South Asia's biggest flood in decades.

Severe flooding has hit Pakistan, Nepal, Burma, India and Pakistan killing 2000 people and displacing an estimated 19 million. Over 135 million people in total have been affected by the floods.

 Council for International Development Executive director Rae Julian says the poorest people in the region are being hit the hardest. 

“Many people in this region are barely coping already. The flood is a massive blow to people who have few resources to fall back on and whose homes and livelihoods have been wiped out by the flood.” 

“Crops and infrastructure have been destroyed, adding to the costs and difficulties of rehabilitation. Further dangers may arise as water becomes stagnant bringing risk of disease. The monsoon season is not due to end until late September in some affected areas and further flooding is possible.” 

Not only do NGOs have to deal with immediate humanitarian needs, but they also have to find resources to enable communities to be better prepared for future crises of this sort,” Rae Julian says.  

New Zealand NGOs are providing: 

• Water tablets and water purifiers.
• Temporary shelters, hygienic latrines, and mosquito nets.
• Emergency family survival packs.
• Primary health care, along with health and hygiene trainings for families.
• Expertise to combat water-borne illnesses.
• Special nutritional food for malnourished children.
• Oral rehydration salts, matches, candles and cash.
• School supplies for children.

 New Zealand NGO Appeal 0800 numbers:

Save the Children NZ                                                    0800 167 168

The Leprosy Mission NZ                                               0800 862 873

Caritas  Aotearoa NZ                                                   0800 22 10 22

Oxfam NZ                                                                    0800 600 700

UNICEF NZ                                                                 0800 800 194

World Vision NZ                                                           0800 800 776

Christian World Service                                     0800 747 372

Adventist Development and Relief Agency                     0800 4 111 999

TEAR Fund NZ                                                            0800 800 777