Pakistan floods: Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood appeals for urgent international aid

A Birmingham MP, who was visiting Pakistan, witnessed the devastating floods and is appealing for international help for the South Asian country.

Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood witnessed the Pakistan floods, which killed more than a 1,000 people, and is doing his bit to help.

“My appeal to the international community for urgent aid for the people who have been devastated by the floods in Pakistan. But also to confirm that for the future there needs to be a strategic programme for controlling water distribution across the country for future proofing,” he tweeted.

The floods have affected more than 33 million people and displaced many millions. Their homes and livelihoods have been impacted in this natural disaster.

Mahmood, who spoke to PTV World, said the diaspora and overseas people are “very happy” and keen to help out. “They think it’s their duty to be able to do that and I have spoken to them,” he said.

Earlier, Mahmood said in Urdu that water borne diseases, like malaria and dengue, are likely to affect those in the flooded areas. He appealed for donating medicines and said that the floods were due to climate change and environmental issues.

How are Brummies helping?

There are some volunteers from Birmingham who traveled to Pakistan to help out on the ground where flood victims have been temporarily homed.

Birmingham’s faith-based organisation, As-Suffa, said people have been relocated to drier areas but only have tents to live in.

There will be a cricket tournament to raise funds at the Smethwick Cricket Club on 17 September as well. It will also be a family fun day for people to enjoy and take part in. More details are coming soon.

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