Flood plea launched

THE Mayor of Oldham is rallying the community to come to the aid of flood victims as monsoon rain continues to take lives in Pakistan.

Many Oldham residents, particularly in the Werneth and Glodwick areas, have families in the flooded towns and villages where at least 1,500 people have died in the region’s worst deluge in 80 years.

Oldham has a 15,000-strong community of Pakistani descent with more than 3,000 from the devastated area of Pukhtoon.

Almost 14 million people have already been affected in Pakistan and are awaiting basic food and shelter.

The Oldham Pakistan Flood Relief Appeal was launched at the Mayor’s Parlour yesterday, with the Mayor, Councillor David Jones, urging people to give their support.

The appeal has united organisations in Oldham, such as Oldham Interfaith Forum, Oldham Race Equality Partnership and Pukhtoon Resource Centre, to combine their efforts into one trustworthy and effective fund-raising appeal.

Councillor Jones said: “I’m sure people throughout the whole Oldham conurbation, having seen the scenes on TV of total devastation not just of loss of life but homes and livelihoods, will want to contribute to stave off some of the misery and help rebuild lives.”

He said flood water in the Punjab had destroyed crops causing food shortages that will have an impact for years. More misery will be created by the spread of diseases.

Former Oldham mayor and councillor, Riaz Ahmad, was a victim of floods in Punjab in 1958 as a five-year-old.

He said: “I remember it very distinctly. Our house collapsed and I had to sleep on open ground surrounded by water. We lost possessions but there was no loss of life. I can empathise with what is going on today. My heart goes out to the people that are suffering.”

Tariq Rafique, from Oldham Race Equality Partnership, said: “We are hoping with the backing of such a well-known figure as the Mayor will give us the springboard we need to move forward and encourage people to take part in this relief effort.”

Fazal Rahim, from Oldham Interfaith Forum, said: “The problem has not stopped because we are only half-way through the monsoon season. It’s spreading to other parts of Pakistan. Today they have evacuated a town as big as Oldham because of the increased risk of flooding.”



How you can help
Fazal Rahim, from Oldham Interfaith Forum, said: “Initially we are looking at providing relief for people.

“In the long term we want to build something that is tangible, the infrastructure of schools and medical centres, that Oldham people can connect with and will help alleviate some of the suffering.”

Fund-raising activities will take place over the next few weeks with volunteers needed to take phone calls, help organise fund-raising events, leafleting and networking.

To help the Oldham appeal contact 0161 628 4740, e-mail frahim@btinternet.com  or write to 9 Ashcroft Court, Peter Street, Oldham. OL1 1HP.