Why we’re slow to help Pakistan

(Compared) to previous emergencies such as the Haiti earthquake at the beginning of this year, international assistance has been slow to arrive (for Pakistan).There has been little clear explanation of why this is so. (Michael Mullins, Eureka Street)

“Beware of false NGOs” in donating to Pakistan

“(It) is of utmost importance that people be attentive to the institution they choose to send money to. In fact, there are false NGOs whose purpose is to speculate and appropriate funds, as well as associations linked to Islamic extremist groups.” (Bishop Joseph Coutts, Bishop of Faisalabad and President of Caritas Pakistan interview with Fides)

Pakistan Christians protest aid distribution

Pakistan Christians are protesting against alleged discrimination against their groups in the distribution of flood aid.

Pakistani women cope with flood’s aftermath

“We didn’t know the flood was coming. It was nighttime and we were asleep in our rooms,” says 43-year-old Rukhtaj, a mother of six. “Some people came and woke us up. They warned us that the water is rising. So we grabbed our children as quickly as possible and ran.” (Catholic Relief Services)

Water everywhere and not a drop to drink

“I was offered a glass of the brown river water yesterday,” says Lisa Beyl, a Catholic Relief Services program manager in flood-stricken northern Pakistan. “It literally looks like mud. It is the dirtiest water I have ever seen in my life. I can’t believe that people are drinking it, but they are, out of necessity.” (Laura Sheahen, Catholic Relief Services/The Huffington Post)

Video - Aid agencies hit in Pakistan flood

This CNN video takes a look at the extent of damage suffered by the providers of aid, including Catholic agencies like Caritas, in Pakistan during the recent floods there. The damages have hampered relief work.

Installed Sin protege chooses sacrifice over celebration

New Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas cancelled the traditional lunch reception after his installation on Nov. 4 to show solidarity with the poor and typhoon victims in his province.
“The money that will be saved from your act of sacrifice will be used to help the poor of Pangasinan,” Archbishop Villegas told parishioners and guests during his [...]

Caritas, World Vision offer Bangladesh storm aid

Christian agencies Caritas Bangladesh and World Vision are providing emergency aid for victims of Cyclone Aila, which killed around 50 people and washed away thousands of homes on May 25.