MEDIA RELEASE - fOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

8 August 2007

Caritas joins international effort for south asia floods

Catholic humanitarian agency Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has pledged $20,000 towards immediate flood relief work in devastated parts of South Asia.

Nearly 2000 people have been killed and over 30 million people displaced across India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan by unusually heavy monsoon rains on top of a cyclone in late June. The international Caritas network is seeking to raise over $US 6 million to help those recovering from storm and flood destruction in the area.

"For large parts of the region, this is the worst flooding they have seen in years," says Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Director Michael Smith. "Our Caritas partner agencies in South Asia have been working non-stop to assess the situation and get food, water and other emergency needs to those who need them."

"We also welcome donations from New Zealanders, which will be channelled to those most in need through our partner agencies. In addition to immediate needs for food, water and shelter, agencies and governments must act swiftly to avert health crises."

Caritas Bangladesh is seeking $US 2.3 million to provide emergency food, water, bedding, clothing, hygiene items and cooking sets. It is also building shelters with latrines for 2500 of the neediest families.

Caritas Pakistan and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) are dealing with the worst flooding and cyclone damage in Pakistan in decades. Priorities are providing for clean water, shelter, medical supplies and expertise to combat water-borne illnesses. Nearly 20,000 families will benefit.

CRS is also working with Caritas India to provide immediate relief to nearly 40,000 families across eight Indian states, including Bihar, one of the hardest hit.

CRS and Caritas Nepal are also assessing the situation in Nepal. The biggest problem is access - roads and bridges have been washed out, so assessment is "low tech". Bicycles, pedestrians and animals are best able to reach vulnerable people in remote villages.

People wanting to donate to Caritas' South Asia Flood relief efforts can:

* Phone: 0800 22 10 22 to make credit card donations or

* Donate online using a credit card at www.caritas.org.nz or

* Post donations to: Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, PO Box 12-193, Thorndon, Wellington 6144

ENDS

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