When an earthquake rocked Haiti in January, support from Canadians began pouring in immediately. Eight months later, flooding has displaced millions in Pakistan, but the monetary support from Canadians has not been there.
Since monsoons began in late July, Regina resident Abdul Jalil has been constantly getting updates from his family and friends in his home country.
“Talking to my family, my friends and the community-- the devastation is huge,” Jalil said.
He may get all the information first hand, but he does not believe Canadians understand just how bad the situation is.
“There are 20 million people who have been impacted, one million houses, sixteen hundred people have lost their lives,” Jalil explained.
To date, $10.4 million has been donated across Canada through Red Cross – significantly lower than the Haiti earthquake relief effort.
Amanda Ulrich from Red Cross believes the lower number of donations is because the impact of the flooding happened over a long period of time.
“The flooding happened over several weeks and months, versus an earthquake or a tsunami or something like that which would happen quickly,” Ulrich said.
She explained the urgency was seen in Haiti because the earthquake hit suddenly, but the urgency is still there in Pakistan.
“The need is great and we don’t want to lose sight of it,” Ulrich said.
Through the Red Cross volunteers have travelled over to Pakistan to help. Four field hospitals and 900 tents have also been sent to the country.
Until September 12, the Canadian government will match all donations. Saskatchewan residents can also donate at local Credit Unions until September 17.
To donate online go to redcross.ca.
Copyright (c) CW Media Inc.