Press statement 15th of August, 2007
For immediate release

NZ NGOs assisting those hit by biggest flood in decades

“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

ENDS

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