WORRIED friends and families of those affected by devastating floods in Pakistan have appealed to Chester residents for help.
Chester Asian Council volunteers have launched a collection to aid the more than three million people affected by monsoon floods in northern Pakistan.
Thousands of people are estimated to have lost their homes and livelihoods, while crops have been destroyed and whole villages washed away.
In addition, roads and bridges have been destroyed, leaving some areas cut off from aid supplies.
Development manager for Chester Asian Council, Nadia Ali, said: “Many of our members have family and friends affected by this tragedy and share the world’s concern about the huge humanitarian losses occurring.
“A sustainable programme of relief will be required and continued work with the many internally displaced people. Many of these people have been in temporary homes following previous floods in the region.” Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) chief executive, Steve Robinson, added: “Our thoughts are with the millions of people who have been affected by the ongoing situation in Pakistan.
“With access to many areas still impossible and houses, roads, crops and vital supplies washed away by the flood waters I am afraid there will be no, quick fix for families who have lost everything.
“However, with more rain predicted, it is clear that we must do all we can to ensure that vital supplies such as clean water, food and shelter reach those who are in dire need - please donate what you can to the Chester Asian Council to make this happen.”
The council will also be organising community events to raise further funds to support affected families and the relief effort in Pakistan.
For more information email Nadia Ali at managercac@aol.co.uk.
For more information or to make a donation to the Chester Asian Council Disaster Appeal Fund write a cheque to: The Royal Bank of Scotland; 15 Forgate Street; Chester CH1 1HD; account no: 11203364 - sort code: 16-16-14.