The North West Frontier Province in Pakistan still faces challenges. Because of the government's war against the militia, people have fled and the displacement figure has now risen to over two million people. The world's largest internally displaced community is crying out to the international community. Pakistan still needs your help.
More than 260,000 people live in camps set up by the government. While visiting 150 families that received help during our initial intervention, the Operation Mercy team saw the people's needs with their own eyes. Many of the refugees were in a bad way. Because of the extensive heat and the drought that is affecting Pakistan during the summer months, the suffering is increasing. The hot and dry weather has also meant that many snakes are around and are a threat to people in the camps.
The Monsoon rains are about to come and it is expected that these rains will bring more trouble for the people living in tents and the risk of epidemics will rise. In addition to these challenges, people fled their homes without hardly any personal belongings. Many of the refugees are lacking food.
"The people in the place where we gave out food packets were happy that we are doing this. The Local officer, who helped us in conducting it, said that it will really help people to worry less. The food packets are going to help in a great way" says one of the Operation Mercy workers.
Operation Mercy is now hoping to assist a further 1,300 families, or about 8,450 people, with food parcels of wheat flour, rice, lentils, sugar, spices, tea, cooking oil, dry milk and salt. These will be provided two times over the next 10 weeks. The first distribution parcel will also contain soap, matches, one plastic sheet and one water cooler.
You can make a difference in the lives of many by giving financially to this relief effort. No gift is too small, to help us to deal with this immense need. Please take this opportunity of joining us in helping the refugees!
Programme # 85061170