The floods in Pakistan are claiming more and more lives, and the humanitarian needs are increasing every day. In order to help the victims of the extreme natural disaster, Caritas Internationalis issued an emergency appeal this week.

More than a third of the country is under water, as a result of the heaviest monsoon rains in a decade. The country's poorest and most vulnerable people are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance.

Around 33 million people have been affected, and more than 1,200 people – including around 450 children – have died. To date, over 300,000 homes have been destroyed and another 692,000 homes damaged.

In addition, the country's authorities report that over 800,000 hectares of agricultural land have been destroyed and around 730,500 livestock have been lost, meaning that many farmers are no longer able to support their families.

Caritas has launched a "Rapid Response Project" with the goal of providing thousands of men, women and children with adequate food, safe drinking water, health services and access to hygiene supplies.

The project aims to support Caritas Pakistan over a 3-month period of providing:

• Adequate hygiene and water supply for 4,500 affected households.
• Improved living conditions for 4,500 affected households.
• Healthcare services for 10,000 affected people.
• Access to education for 300 children.