Oxford Hills Rotary - Four Avenues of Service

Dear Presidents,

As you know, Pakistan is experiencing the effects of the worst flooding in history, which began in July after heavy monsoon rains. More than 3 million children are at high risk of deadly water-borne diseases, making them the most vulnerable victims of one of the worst natural disasters ever recorded. Bridges, roads, homes, crops and farm land have been washed away and thousands of people are misplaced. What stands out to me is the recent estimate of the United Nations, that the number of people suffering from these massive floods in Pakistan is nearly 14 million. More than the combined total of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Pakistan earthquake and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

As you read this from the comfort of your home or office, please think of those who do not even have a chair to sit in, let alone a warm meal to sustain them or a home to return to.

I have set up a disaster relief account at the district level. If your club would like to send money directly to Rotarians on the ground assisting those in immediate need, you may send checks to District Treasurer Rhonda Emerson 55 Colonial Drive Durham, ME 04222 - make checks out to District 7780 and we will wire your money as it accumulates. If you wish to wire your contributions directly yourselves, instructions on how to do so can be found in DG Shehzad Ahmed's email below as you read on. Routing instructions will be forwarded.

Reports are that nearly one fifth of Pakistan has been ravaged by floods that killed an estimated 1,600 people and affected 15 million in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh provinces. The death toll continues to climb expecting to reach 3000 very soon. The flooding began more than two weeks ago in the north-west of Pakistan and has swept south across a quarter of the country. The international community is working rapidly to address the needs of those affected, but funding shortfalls are jeopardizing the humanitarian operation in the country.

Various diarrheal diseases, which may in some cases be cholera - - and dysentery present the illnesses of greatest concern, stated UNICEF in a press release. Hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever pose another significant risk. Keep in mind Pakistan is a polio endemic country and flooding will contribute to the transmission of the wild poliovirus. Drinking water has been contaminated and stagnating water provides the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the threat of insect-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.

The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that up to 1.5 million cases of diarrheal diseases (including up to 140,000 of cholera), 150,000 cases of measles, 350,000 cases of acute respiratory infections, and up to 100,000 cases of malaria can occur over the next three months. These are indeed mind boggling figures in a short time span.

The following are the words of my fellow District Governor Shehzad Ahmed of District 3272:

"We need help from everyone in these difficult times. The flood has done such huge damage that currently there is need for everything - shelter, safe drinking water, food, medicines etc. I have also been telling non-Rotarian friends that Rotarians are all working as volunteers to provide much needed help to those in need. That there will be no overheads and all donations will directly reach the beneficiaries. There are Rotary Clubs in almost all major cities, which makes their reach much better as compared to many other organizations."

Please read on .............

According to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) the floods have affected 14 million people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, South Punjab and Sindh provinces. Some touching photographs can be seen at the following link:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/08/severe_flooding_in_pakistan.html

Heavy monsoon rains have triggered the worst floods in decades all across Pakistan, killing thousands of people and forcing out millions from their homes. The floods began in July 2010 after record heavy monsoon rains. More than 2,000 people were killed, thousands were rendered homeless, and more than fourteen million people were affected. Some parts of the country were under two meters of water. Estimates from rescue-service-officials suggest the death-toll may reach 3,000 victims. Hundreds of homes, bridges and roads have been washed away. According to a recent estimate of United Nations, the number of people suffering from these massive floods in Pakistan is nearly 14 million, which is more than the combined total of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Pakistan earthquake and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

While rain continues to fall, the delivery of humanitarian aid remains difficult to reach some of the areas that have been hardest hit. In addition to all the other damage they have caused, flood waters have destroyed much of the health infrastructure in the worst affected areas, leaving inhabitants especially vulnerable to water-borne diseases.

Rotary International District 3272 comprises of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Rotary Clubs have taken up the challenge and have started relief efforts to help those in need. However, the extent of damage is such that massive support is required to handle the current situation. I had formed a District Disaster Relief Committee at the start of the year but I did not know that it would be put to test so early. Considering the vast geographical area under floods, the Committee has further been extended and now includes all Deputy Governors and Assistant Governors. Its members are carrying out their responsibilities to the best of their capabilities. I, as DG, along with DGE and DGN will provide overall supervision. We will seek guidance from Past District Governors and other senior Rotary leaders to optimize our relief efforts.

Please see some photographs showing relief efforts of Rotarians in our District. These are just a few examples, as Rotarians are more committed to providing service to the people in need rather than taking photographs.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=201534&id=542089509&l=46bcb5def4

Rotarians are motivating each other and their friends to contribute generously towards this noble cause. The District bank details are given below. The routing instructions are attached with this email.

Account No. PLS 00-4015-000-3

Account Name: Rotary International District 3272

Bank: The Bank of Punjab, Cavalry Grounds, Lahore Cantt., Pakistan

Phone: (92 42) 99220635, 9920640

(SWIFT CODE: BPUNPKKA024)

In addition to monetary donations, we will welcome donations in kind which can be used for flood relief work.

Regular updates will be circulated and posted on district website.

Regards,

Shehzad

I know that you and your clubs will once again respond in true District 7780 generosity to assist those suffering in Pakistan.

Thank you for however your club can respond.
Ann Lee