Ways to Help Flood Victims in Pakistan

Pakistan’s Swat Valley is suffering through the worst floods in recent memory, after going through years of Taliban rule and fighting between militants and the army. UNICEF puts the death toll at 1,500 and a Pakistani Red Crescent official told CNN that nearly 2.5 million have been affected by the floods. Because of the destroyed infrastructure in the region, aid has not been reaching the area fast enough. There are many ways to donate below:

1. Rural Support Programmes Network is an excellent organization on the ground in Pakistan. A portion of the proceeds from Desilicious Sparkle will be donated to this organization.

2. Care International

3. Oxfam America

4. Global Fund for Women

5. Pakistan Red Crescent Society

6. UNICEF

7. Concern USA

8. Text “SWAT” to 50555 To Provide Contributions for Pakistani Flood Victims. A $10 donation will be made automatically in collaboration with the UNHCR, which is distributing tents, relief supplies, and humanitarian assistance to an estimated 200,000 people displaced by the flooding.

Update (August 22, 2010): Approximately 1/5 of the country of Pakistan has been devastated by the floods, with the death toll expected to climb past 1,500 people and over 20 million people affected.