The moving, natural disaster that has been described as a 'rolling earthquake' has now effected 20 million people in Pakistan. The effect of the flood is now spreading, with approximately 70 out of Pakistan's 135 districts. An example of the scale of this huge natural disaster is the Indus river, which normally is 3 km wide, now at points is 35 km wide. People are sleeping under open skies, it is raining, it is cold, and the federal flood commission estimate two more weeks of rainfall are due. So far, UNICEF International is committed to raising $NZ67 million for the next three months of relief programmes in Pakistan. gThis means a massive scaling up is needed in the relief operation,h says UNICEF New Zealand executive director Dennis McKinlay. gIf humanitarian assistance for clean water and hygiene education, as well as for health care is not provided soon enough, there could be a second wave of death caused by waterborne diseases,h he says. But Mr McKinlay says Kiwis shouldnft be put off by the size of the problem or the amount of money needed. gKiwis are always generous givers and small donations can make a huge difference,h he says. For example $NZ30 worth of eplumpy nutf, high calorie, high protein baby food bars which UNICEF distributes, can feed a malnourished baby for one month. $NZ25 will buy 17 packets of high protein biscuits, suitable for young children. $NZ10 will buy enough rehydration packs for 100 children. gIt is a race against time for UNICEF and other agencies to deliver supplies. The waters are still rising and people are bracing themselves for flood waves as rivers overflow and the rains continue,h he says. Over the weekend, a UNICEF shipment of 100 metric tonnes of supplies arrived, including life-saving rehydration salts, temporary accommodation and water purifications tablets. For all updates, please visit UNICEF.org.nz
