This Preliminary Emergency Appeal seeks CHF 17,008,050 (USD 16,333,000 or EUR 12,514,600) in cash, kind, or services to support the Pakistan Red Crescent Society to assist 25,000 families for a period of nine months.

CHF 250,000 (USD 239,406 or EUR 183,589) was allocated from the International Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support this operation. Unearmarked funds to replenish DREF are encouraged.

The worst floods to hit Pakistan since 1929 have left more than 1,000 dead and some 2.5 million people affected while an estimated 2 million people are in need of emergency assistance. The actual figures could be higher as communication networks in many areas are still disrupted. Based on the situation, this Preliminary Emergency Appeal responds to a request from the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, and focuses on providing support to take an appropriate and timely response in delivering assistance and relief in the sectors of food, non-food, water and sanitation, shelter and emergency health services to 25,000 affected households.

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross have been working closely at country level to ensure strong cooperation between the different elements of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in response to these floods. This preliminary emergency appeal is based upon the agreed sectors and geographical areas where the International Federation will support the National Society.

This operation is expected to be completed over nine months and will, therefore, be completed by the end of April 2011. A Final Report will be made available by August 2011 (three months after the end of the operation.