02 August 2010

Pakistan floods - Brooke statement

The worst flooding in 80 years has left more than one million people in need of emergency assistance in Northern Pakistan.

The Brooke teams’ operational areas of Charsadda and Nowshera are the worst hit by the flooding. Brooke operations in Mardan and Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, previously known as the North-West Frontier Province, have been temporarily scaled back due to lack of accessibility and the clear need to keep staff safe. However, the majority of Brooke operations in Pakistan continue as normal.

The Brooke Peshawar and Mardan have established emergency contact points to look after the health and welfare of horses, donkeys and mules. These relief points are providing:

• fodder to equines and other animals affected by the flood
• fresh drinking water
• veterinary treatment and vaccinations
• education for owners on first aid techniques for their animals
• education for owners on the early prevention of diseases.

As of August 6th, 584 horses, donkeys and mules have been treated and Brooke Pakistan is anticipating that more equine animals will require emergency relief as the rains stop and health problems arise due to lack of access to water, and in some cases clean drinking water, feed, and clean stabling facilities.

More heavy rain is anticipated in Central and Southern Pakistan over the next week and the Brooke will continue to monitor the situation carefully. We will also continue to work closely with our teams in Pakistan and provide further updates when more information is available.

View the photo gallery of horses and donkeys being helped by the Brooke teams in Pakistan.