The Zakat Foundation of America

Aug 03, 2010

The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) commended U.S. and international aid organizations for their speedy response to the needs of flood victims in Pakistan.

The American Red Cross estimates that more than 1500 Pakistani lives have been lost in their worst flood on record since 1929, with more than 2.5 million affected by the destruction of schools, homes, bridges, transportation and communication systems, and hospitals.

ISNA Secretary General Safaa Zarzour said, "Hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes and are in desperate need of the basics for survival, such as clean drinking water and food. One person in need of these basics is unacceptable and ISNA commends the efforts of our communities to raise funds and provide much needed aid to our brothers and sisters overseas."

Among those organizations that responded immediately to the call for help in Pakistan were the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA), the Association of Physicians of Pakistani-descent of North America (APPNA), Islamic Relief, and the Zakat Foundation. Zarzour expresses his confidence in these organizations, stating, "All of these organizations have a strong history of immediate and effective responses to national and international disasters, including those in Pakistan."

IMANA President Dr. Abida Haque stressed the continued urgency of support to Pakistan, stating, "Unfortunately the torrential rains are not showing any signs of subsiding anytime soon. The tragedy is going to become increasingly worse as the flood waters begin to surge in the more populated areas of Sindh and Punjab in the next two to three days." IMANA has launched an emergency campaign to help stop the spread of disease and establish healthy living conditions for Pakistani residents, including the establishment of medical camps, water purification systems, food distribution and tents for shelter.

According toChairperson to the APPNA Social Welfare and Disaster Relief Committee (SWDRC) Dr. Jamil Farooqui, "The devastating floods are wreaking havoc in Pakistan with heart wrenching loss of life and destruction." He adds, "The APPNA leadership and SWDRC are actively assessing the ground situation and held an urgent meeting last night to formulate a plan of action to help the victims."

APPNA immediately released funds to provide food and shelter to victims and will launch two phases of long-term assistance. In the first phase, APPNA calls upon the community to raise additional and much needed funds for those affected overseas. In the second phase, APPNA will send teams of volunteer physicians to Pakistan to provide critical medical assistance. CNN quotes regional health minister Syed Zahir Ali Shah, who states, "We estimate that about 100,000 people, mostly children, have been hit by cholera and gastro diseases."

Islamic Relief Worldwide recently launched a campaign to provide a wide variety of services and necessities to flood victims. The organization has already begun distribution of blankets and tents, with financial donations used for food packs, family hygiene kits, additional family tents, water filters and more.

Habib Malik of Islamic Relief arrived in Pakistan last week and in one of his online video blog posts shared the stories of the people of Pakistan. "They have nothing, only the clothes they are wearing. Local hospitals can't cope and transportation and communication are down. Every person here has a personal story to tell. Some are telling me they had to spend a night on their roof, waiting for air rescue, and those were the lucky ones."

Additionally, The Zakat Foundation is currently providing much needed food and clothing to four key districts: Swabi, Nowshera, Charasadda and Swat Valley, Pakistan. These districts were among those hit hardest by the flood and to address immediate needs, the Foundation is also preparing makeshift shelters for flood victims. The Zakat Foundation has launched a campaign to provide continuous and long-term relief to victims of flooding in Pakistan.

ISNA President Dr. Ingrid Mattson urged the American Muslim community "to send prayers and financial support for persons living in Pakistan who are suffering from the devastating effects of recent and ongoing floods."