Charities launch flood aid appeal

Scottish charities and politicians yesterday launched an urgent appeal to raise £550,000 to help victims of the floods in Pakistan.

The first phase aims to raise 50,000 for immediate humanitarian relief to transport, store and deliver 2 million worth of medicines, as well as sterilising tablets, hand gels and 4,500 five-litre aqua packs.

The second phase is hoping to raise 500,000 to build at least 200 houses for 200 families in the Punjab. Pakistan Flood: Scotland's Response is being co-ordinated by the UCare Foundation and backed by organisations including the Islamic Centre, Glasgow Central Mosque, Scottish Asian Network and Glasgow Caring City.

Glasgow Central MP Anas Sarwar said: "Fourteen million people have been affected by this disaster. Two million are homeless and more than 2,000 have sadly lost their lives.

"We have seen a tremendous UK-wide response to this tragedy." The medicines for phase one have been donated by International Health Partners while Scottish Water donated the sterilising tablets, gels and aqua packs.

Glasgow council leader Gordon Matheson said: "I commit this administration to work alongside this forum as an active supporter and friend - not just today and in the weeks ahead, but in the months and years ahead. We are at the disposal of the people of Pakistan."