Faisalabad: Medical camp for Christians and Muslims in response to floods

Over two million people have been forced to leave their homes due to unprecedented flooding. To address the humanitarian crisis, the HEAL Foundation Pakistan has organised a medical camp in Faisalabad, providing free assistance and medicines to 150 people.

Faisalabad (AsiaNews) - The HEAL Foundation Pakistan has organised a free medical camp in Tandlianwala, in the district of Faisalabad, to offer support to families affected by the floods. Vast areas of southern Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, are facing an unprecedented emergency caused by the flooding of the Chenab and Sutlej rivers.

Over 2.1 million people have been forced to evacuate in search of safe places, and 488 relief camps have been set up to accommodate 80,000 displaced persons. In addition, approximately 1.95 million acres of agricultural land have been submerged by water.

The medical camp, set up on 7 September, has provided assistance to 150 patients, who have been given free medical examinations, blood pressure and blood sugar tests, and a large supply of medicines. Local authorities have praised the initiative, describing the camp as ‘well organised’ and promising further collaboration in the future.

Lubna Shahbaz, president of the HEAL Foundation, reiterated the organisation's commitment to serving people ‘beyond the boundaries of caste, religion, colour or race,’ adding, ‘We work solely for humanitarian aid, and our mission is to serve human beings in need.’

The camp mainly served residents living along the banks of the Ravi River, belonging to different communities, mostly Muslim, but also welcomed several Christian families seeking treatment and medicines. ‘We are proud to be Pakistani and honoured to serve our fellow citizens in their time of need,’ said Ms Shahbaz.

Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities have announced that today and tomorrow, 10 and 11 September, will be critical for the province of Multan. Yesterday, 138 villages (‘mouzas’) in Muzaffargarh were submerged, affecting 135,000 people, while in Rangpur, 28 villages were flooded, affecting 50,000 people. In Karachi, three people were reported dead.

United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher announced that Pakistan will receive million from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support the flood response. The funds will enable UN agencies and partners to provide immediate assistance to some 4 million people who have been affected by the floods so far, including more than 2 million who have been forced to leave their homes.

• Pakistan
• floods
• aid