The Pakistan Floods of 2010 constituted one of the worst natural disasters in Pakistan’s history.
More than 2000 people were killed and hundreds of thousands stranded by flooding triggered by the annual monsoon rains. The disastrous floods affected 20 million people across an area the size of England, sweeping away 2.2m hectares of farmland. The flood-waters washed away millions of hectares of crops, submerged villages and destroyed roads and bridges. Disease quickly spread amongst the Pakistani flood victims and warnings were issued that dams in the south may burst. Time was of the essence to save lives from the ensuing high risk of Cholera and other deadly infectious diseases. The Midland Doctors® team in Nottingham and Derby convened an emergency meeting to strategize a response and take immediate action.
Midland Doctors® organized medical supplies and the transport of these goods to Peshawar, a 6-hour ride by road from Punjab, to the affected region. The initial aim was to assess the medical need and to vaccinate 1000 people this week. Most deaths, it was thought, would occur from water-borne diseases. The medical team arrived in Peshawar and volunteers had been assembled to start work at day break. Midland Doctors® purchased further medication to treat skin problems and Gastroenteritis related illness. Starter packs were assembled for individual families who had lost everything. This pack would include a basic cooker, fuel, pots and pans, plates and dishes, water and some basic food supplies. Midland Doctors® also looked at a more sustainable clean drinking water source. The choices were either a small filtration system or tablets to make water safe for human consumption.
How can I help Midland Doctors®?
We are always in need of donations to help run our charity hospital in Muzaffarabad whilst also participating in many other charitable projects across the world. Of course, not all contributions are monetary. Your time and effort to help fundraise, manage and drive our organisation forward will always be welcomed and appreciated!