Pakistan, 2010 and 2011 floods
Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)
In August 2011, monsoon rains ravaged several regions of Pakistan leaving millions of people without food or water for days. It is estimated that about 1.5 million people lost their homes and are displaced without shelter, food and safe drinking water, and 446 persons lost their lives, while around 756 are injured. More than 2.1 million acres of crops (cotton, rice, sugarcane and vegetables) were destroyed by the flooding.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the first Chamber of Pakistan to start relief operations in Sindh, mainly in the Dadu and Jamshoro districts. Currently, KCCI is supporting around 5,000 families (40,000 persons) by providing them with one month's supply of food, emergency shelter (tents), water and sanitation and health services.
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI)
In August 2010, the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) decided to sponsor a village comprising at least 100 houses in Northern Areas for the rehabilitation of flood victims, whose houses were washed away by devastating flash floods.
The decision was made after a visit of an ICCI delegation to flood hit areas of Khyber Pakhtoonkhawa. The construction of 100 Kacha houses was to be carried out by ICCI with donations from its members.
They also appealed to all businessmen from the area to contribute donations generously to ICCI so that it could start the construction of houses for displaced people as early as possible, and said that once the survival issue is resolved, the funds should be used for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the areas destroyed.
ASSOCHAM
In 2010, ASSOCHAM approached ICCI to inform them that Indian industry and the business fraternity was keen to help Pakistan aid its flood victims. ASSOCHAM reported that a large number of corporate houses in India expressed their desire to provide assistance to Pakistani flood victims.
Five million dollars in aid funding for the relief of flood victims was received. ICCI recognized the desire expressed by the Indian business community to help Pakistan through these tough times as a very positive sign that businessmen and people of both countries care for each other and prefer improved relations.
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