The magnitude of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Pakistan is beyond comprehension. Over the weekend, 500,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes in Jacobad and Thul. There are already 2,000 dead and 20 million homeless. Crops and livestock have been destroyed. Electricity has been cut off in many places. More heavy rain is on the way.
Today, the UN reports:
"Up to 3.5 million children are at high risk of deadly waterborne diseases, such as watery diarrhoea and dysentery. Water during the flood has been contaminated badly. There is a shortage of clean water."
Before the disaster, the central government was weak and considered a fragile state. It possesses very little capacity for disaster relief. People affected by the disaster are outraged at the lack of government assistance, and the government is outraged by the lack of international assistance. The UN has appealed for $460 million to provide relief, but only 20% has been pledged. Billions more will be needed for reconstruction once flood waters recede.
What has been the U.S. response? As of August 12, the U.S. has committed $22.5 million in funds.
There are currently 6 U.S. helicopters flying relief missions in the Swat Valley, and another 19 are being deployed there. The Taliban said they will help victims, too, but only if the Pakistani Government stops accepting help from the U.S.
Pakistan needs relief on the scale of the Berlin Airlift. This is an opportunity for America to live up to its ideals. I believe a national relief effort on such a scale would be a game-changer in the war against Al Qaeda and other extremist ideologies.
Kossacks, please make a donation to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Every small amount will count.