Staff at Bedford Borough Council raised £755.68 to go to the Disaster Emergency Committee for the Pakistan Floods Appeal. The collection took place at Borough Hall, Town Hall and Conduit Road Day Centre (where services users also contributed), throughout Friday August 20.
Pakistan has been affected by the country’s worst floods in more than 80 years. More than 1,500 people are reported to have died with that number likely to rise as more information becomes available. About 17 million people are believed to have been affected by the floods which may worsen as further rain falls and water moves downstream.
The Mayor of Bedford Borough Council, Dave Hodgson, said: “The money raised will go to those affected areas of Pakistan that are in desperate need of food, shelter and medical attention. The hardship faced by these flood victims is very much in our thoughts and staff have been very generous in offering their support to this appeal.”
The Disasters Emergency Committee has expressed grave concern following reports of cholera in Pakistan's Swat Valley. With floodwaters affecting a fifth of the country, and stretching for more than 600 miles, the DEC warned that millions of people are at risk of potentially deadly water borne diseases.
The Disasters Emergency Appeal Committee has launched a national appeal given the level of devastation suffered and the number of people affected by the flooding.
For more information on ways to donate go to www.dec.org.uk or contact the DEC Pakistan Floods Appeal on 0370 60 60 900.
