Maldivians give relief aid to flood-hit Pakistanis
Thousands of Pakistanis have been given food aid from Maldivians so far.
By
Aminath Shifleen
Maldivians have begun assisting Pakistanis who are left homeless after a catastrophic flooding.
Heavy rain has caused extensive damage to buildings, bridges, farmlands and roads in Pakistan since mid-June.
A large number of people, including children, were killed and many were displaced, some still missing.
Many Maldivians have been assisting Pakistanis through the International Aid Campaign (IAC), established to assist those in need in Muslim countries.
The organisation distributed aid in two ways:
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Food package for those affected by food shortages; it includes food staples such as meat and oil.
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'Hot meal pack' for those who are stranded, having lost their homes and cannot prepare meals. These meals are cooked on site using the aid Maldivians have provided.
IAC’s Director of Media and Public Relations Azhad Ahmed said a large number of Maldivians have provided financial assistance so far. To date, Maldivians have given:
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Food packages provided to 200 people
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Hot meal packs distributed to 5,800 people
The IAC runs a 'Flood Relief Fund' to help flood victims. Under the fund, the price of a Hot Meal Pack was first MVR 70. However, as 1.5 million people have been affected in Pakistan so far, its price has been reduced to MVR 35.
"A hot meal pack can now be donated for MVR 35. Once that amount is sent to us, we will set things in motion and provide food to the hungry, but any amount can be contributed," Azhad said.
IAC said that in addition to food, if need be, all other kinds of assistance will be provided to Pakistanis from Maldivian contributions. IAC has provided international aid before, contributing to 4 major aid events, ‘Help Syria Maldives’ and ‘Help Rohingya Maldives’ in the year 2017 and ‘Ghouta Emergency Relief’ and ‘With Love to GAZA’ in 2018.
