Severe flooding has swept through large parts of South Asia causing the deaths of at least 1,200 people and according to government sources in India, Nepal and Bangladesh, more casualties are expected. Millions of people have been affected by the flood which has forced them to move into makeshift shelters as well as causing damage to farmland. In the immediate term, victims of the flood require food and shelter, and they are also at risk from water borne diseases. Here are the different ways to help with the international relief effort.
Lobby your MP
The easiest way to help is to send an email or write a letter to your MP requesting them to raise the issue in Parliament when it reconvenes after the summer break. You should ask your MP to ask Parliament for a funding commitment from the UK to help with the relief effort.
Donate to charities
Unicef is a global charity that focuses its efforts on children’s welfare. The organisation runs the Children’s Emergency Fund which provides assistance to vulnerable kids that find themselves in the midst of a disaster.
Oxfam is another global charity with roots in the United Kingdom. The organisation has started to build an emergency response that is meant to provide relief to people that have been affected by the flooding. Oxfam is providing non-food items such as fleece blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and tarpaulin sheets. The aid agency is also working hard to deliver safe drinking water and food security.
Save the Children is also concentrating its efforts in Nepal, India and Bangladesh and is working hard to deliver essentials such as items that will mitigate the risk of water borne diseases. Save the Children is providing items such as hygiene and sanitary supplies as well as purifiers.
Volunteer
You don’t have to donate cash to help with the relief effort. You can also donate your time. You should check with agencies such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on how to become a volunteer. These agencies are some of the world’s oldest humanitarian organisations and your time will be greatly appreciated.
