Red Cross launches Pakistani flood appeal

The New Zealand Red Cross has announced an appeal to help more than 3 million Pakistanis affected by the worst flooding in living memory.

More than 1400 people had been killed after heavy rains triggered floods and landslides, sweeping away thousands of homes and devastating farmland, while Pakistani officials warned a lack of drinking water was spreading disease, including cholera, Agence France Presse reported.

The New Zealand Red Cross today said it would collect donations to help the Pakistan Red Crescent Society deliver food, health services, shelter and water to affected people.

The organisation was making a contribution of $13,000 to the operation, which would help 25,000 families for nine months.

A priority was ensuring Pakistanis had access to clean water and sanitation to prevent disease, New Zealand Red Cross international operations manager Andrew McKie said.

Donations could be be made online at www.redcross.org.nz or by phoning 0800 RED CROSS (0800 733 276).

- NZPA