It is being called the worst disaster in human history; not in lives lost, but in people affected. An estimated 21 million people have been displaced or left hungry, sick, injured or homeless.  OM Pakistan responded to meet the most immediate needs of food and clean water to those with no resources.

Now work is focused on providing medical care and planning for long-term rebuilding for the poorest families and communities.

Donate now by sending your gift marked Pakistan Flood Relief to OM Ireland, Lacken House, Rahara, Co Roscommon or GIVE ONLINE.

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Pakistan Flood Appeal Update 22 December 2010

Our response to the needs of the flood victims in Pakistan is changing, along with the weather and general conditions. Winter is upon us, as well as the possibility of disease. Our team has just distributed warm clothing packages to 1,000 in the North and 250 packages to needy families in the South. These packages contain a combination of blankets, clothing and mosquito nets.

Our OM team loaded 500 packages into a truck for distribution in a remote Northern valley. The truck was so full that on the way it stopped and could not go any further. The road was so badly damaged that the team had to hire two smaller trucks to complete the journey. The OM team finally reached the community where everyone was eagerly awaiting the distribution.

People were very happy to receive the packages. Some of them commented: “We are thankful to you that you came to help us in such cold weather. We have seen you before and you guys do hard work for us and bring things that we need.”

In the South, our team leader reports on the latest distribution:

“As we have already served these people during the food distribution phase, we are on familiar ground and have a chance to meet them again and share the great love of Christ in practical ways. With winter coming on, it is really cold here. There are lots of areas where there is not much in the way of buildings or tree. Many people are living in the open air or in houses made by weaving long grasses into panels, and putting these together to form basic structures. During the flood, many people lost everything. They left their villages and went into internally displaced people’s (IDPs) camps, but are now returning to nothing of their own. This latest package enables them to have some form of protection from cold.

We had opportunities to talk with people and share with them. All of them know that this distribution is through the efforts of the Christian brothers and sisters who have given the donations generously for them in this time of need.”

We are very excited by news that the reconstruction of the first 10 houses has just recently been completed, using reclaimed materials and re-using what we can to make good use of existing goods, and keep costs down.

Pakistan Flood Appeal Update 12 October 2010

It has been over two months since devastating floods overwhelmed Pakistan, killing hundreds, displacing hundreds of thousands, and leaving many more hungry, hopeless and at risk of disease and death. To date, the teams have provided food for 5,794 families (over 40,000 people) and medical help for 6,782 patients.

The OM team in northern Pakistan continues to provide medical help for hundreds of people in villages and relief camps. The team is grateful to the local church for help in arranging these life-saving medical camps. People receiving treatment commented: “This is the first medical camp we have come across which provides good, quality medicines. We are happy that we are receiving these medicines, as we will be cured soon.”

The local church pastor told these people that the medics treating them are Christians. Explaining the medical workers’ motivation, he said: “Now you have witnessed how we Christians help the needy. We do it because God loves you and we want to share His love with you flood-affected people.”

The medical team in the south has been very busy during the past week treating 631 patients. The team received several telephone calls from people who wished to thank them for their help. These people contacted them using a follow-up number issued during the relief distributions. People expressed their gratitude saying: “We are thankful for what we received in the food aid packages. We are thankful to you and request that you help us in rebuilding our houses.”

Pakistan Flood Appeal Update 3 September 2010

It has been one month since devastating floods overwhelmed Pakistan, killing hundreds, displacing hundreds of thousands, and leaving many more hungry, hopeless and at risk of disease and death.

OM teams have worked diligently in partnership with local churches to bring food, supplies, medical assistance and a message of hope to those who need it most. To date, teams have reached out to over 3,000 families, impacting roughly 20,000 people, many of whom would not otherwise have been helped.

Thank you for supporting OM’s efforts.

It will be a process of restoration that outlasts the flood waters, and we are committed long term to helping Pakistanis rebuild their lives. Help us continue to bring the message of hope by donating €28 to buy a food packet for one family of six people for two weeks. Each packet contains flour, sugar, cooking oil and lentils.

Your gift will also help fund a mobile medical clinic and buy materials to rebuild homes. This disaster has opened opportunities to show God’s love to the Pakistani people and serve in the name of Jesus Christ. Many recognise that the help is from local Christians.

One Pakistani district official commented, “I appreciate the efforts of Christian people; you always step in first to help in times of need and serve without any greed."

Please continue praying for the team.

• Pray for the teams’ health and strength as they work long hours in difficult conditions
• Pray for more medical personnel and supplies
• Praise the Lord for local people who have worked alongside the team
• Pray that many strong relationships come out of this tragedy and many hear the Gospel

Pakistan Flood Update 17 August 2010

OM's Response to Catastrophic Monsoon Flooding in Pakistan

The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has described the ongoing monsoon floods in Pakistan as the worst disaster he has ever witnessed. "I will never forget the destruction and suffering I have witnessed today. In the past I have witnessed many natural disasters around the world, but nothing like this."

Millions of homeless people are facing starvation and are vulnerable to the growing threat from cholera, fever and diarrhoea caused by contact with contaminated flood waters. As one OM Pakistan team leader commented: "It is very difficult to explain in words the painful stories of people." 

Two OM Pakistan teams are working in partnership with local churches to provide life-saving assistance to thousands of people in the north and south of the country. Many people have been left destitute. The teams' relief efforts initially consisted of providing emergency food aid to homeless families in Nowshera and Charsadda (the north) and Sindh (the south). Over 1000 families have already received free food packets containing flour, sugar, cooking oil and lentils. 

As the situation in Pakistan worsened, the team realised that many displaced families had lost all their belongings and were unable to cook their own food. Therefore, they started to provide cooked food in addition to the free food packets. 

A new weather forecast of 20 more days of rain increased the probability of further deterioration in the situation. Therefore, the food distribution was increased to another 1000 families in each area. At the time of writing, this figure is expected to be at least 5,000 people.

Pakistan Flood Update 10 August 2010

MONSOON FLOODING DEVASTATES A COUNTRY

OM Pakistan teams have been busy distributing food packets to hundreds of families in some of the hardest-hit parts of the country, following devastating floods that have affected millions of people, mostly in rural areas. The numbers of those killed, as well as those who have been adversely affected by the "megadisaster," are climbing daily.

Around the OM world, finances and prayer are being raised to support the teams in their efforts, which will also include redevelopment work for about 200 houses in rural areas. OM staff have been working with national believers to provide help and assistance, especially in low-lying areas and villages, where the majority are very poor.

Food and water supplies are more readily available for those living in higher ground areas, but access is limited to the lower regions, due to the collapse in roads.The team has distributed 550 food packets to date; over the weekend, they brought food to 75 families in a very remote part of the country. The local people had not eaten for over two days and were grateful for the free food packages, as some local markets had already doubled their prices.

The team printed stickers in the local language and put them on the packets that read: "From Pakistan Christian Brothers", and provided contact information for further help.

• Please continue to pray for Pakistan and the long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts of the country.
• Pray for safety, endurance and encouragement for workers as they serve and minister in difficult areas.
• Pray that the love of God would be evident in their efforts.