Erin Gray
Senior Media Communications Officer, European HQ
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As flood waters continue to rage in Pakistan, Scotland’s capital today (30 August) launched an urgent appeal to raise funds for the millions affected by the disaster.
The Edinburgh Disasters Response Committee – led by aid agency Mercy Corps in association with the City of Edinburgh Council and other city organisations - is calling on people to donate via Edinburgh-based Mercy Corps, to help the people of Pakistan recover from the floods.
"Access to clean water is critical to prevent potentially lethal water-borne diseases like cholera spreading, particularly in areas overcrowded with those made homeless by the flood waters. If untreated, cholera can kill a child in less than 24 hours," said John Cunningham of Mercy Corps, "The floods have had a huge impact on the whole of Pakistan, and there's a real risk that water-borne disease could take hold and make this tragedy even worse as the months go on.
"Immediate emergency aid is crucial, but it is just as important to make sure that people have access to clean water supply once the flood waters recede and the recovery and rebuild effort begins. With the help and generosity of the people of Edinburgh, we will build 50 lasting, sustainable water sources that will benefit more than 50,000 people in Pakistan. It will have a real impact that will still be felt for years to come, and will be one that the people of the Capital can be extremely proud of."
Mercy Corps has been operating in Pakistan since 1986, in many of the communities hardest-hit by this year's floods. The charity is providing emergency aid on the ground now, in the form of health clinics and distribution of food, water and clean-up equipment, but is also looking ahead to the long term needs of affected communities.
Edinburgh's Lord Provost George Grubb, who chairs the Edinburgh Disasters Response Committee said: "I'm pleased to have seen fast action from the British Government and aid agencies to deal with the immediate impact of this disaster. I would ask the people of Edinburgh to give everything they can to support Mercy Corps' efforts to provide assistance to communities beginning the long process of recovery. It will make a real difference to the lives of thousands of families in Pakistan. The capital has a long and proud tradition of reaching out to those in less fortunate circumstances, and I hope we will see that compassion and generosity in action as a response to this appeal."
How to help:
The Edinburgh Disasters Response Committee is calling on people in the city to donate to the appeal through Scottish aid charity Mercy Corps, at www.mercycorps.org.uk or by calling 0845 245 0686 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
ENDS
For further information contact Mercy Corps Scotland Press Officer Erin Gray: 0131 662 5164 / 0797532954, egray@uk.mercycorps.org
Notes to editors
The Edinburgh Disaster Response Committee was formed in 2009. In response to the earthquake that hit Haiti in January 2010, the Committee's appeal raised £430,000 to help earthquake survivors.
Mercy Corps is a non-religious international aid and development agency with European headquarters in Edinburgh. Mercy Corps reaches people in more than 40 countries around the world, supporting local people struggling amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to rebuild their communities and get back on their feet. Mercy Corps has over 3,700 staff worldwide and helps more than 14.4 million people each year. For more information visit www.mercycorps.org.uk
Appeals initiated by the arrangement with Mercy Corps are not intended to be exclusive routes for giving by either Council staff or members of the public. The arrangement also does not preclude the Council working with any other charities. Any communications will make clear that there may be other ways of giving, e.g. through other charities.
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