Church of Pakistan seeks prayer as flood crisis continues

As flood waters continue to wreak havoc in Pakistan, the church there has called for prayer from the worldwide Christian community.

The Church of Pakistan has expressed its grief over the loss of lives and damage caused by the severe flooding.

It asked Christians to pray for the more than three million people affected and in need of emergency assistance.

"We are deeply grieved by the consequences of the flood and urge the international community to pray for the victims," said the Church’s media relations spokesperson Raheel Sharoon.

"We have sent an urgent appeal to all our dioceses and parishes requesting prayer," Sharoon told Christian Today.

The Church of Pakistan is a union of four major denominations and has over eight dioceses and 400 parishes across the country.

In the Diocese of Peshawar, the Church has launched an emergency relief and rescue programme for families affected by the flood.

The programme is assisting more than 1,300 families, especially Christians and other minorities. The diocese is also providing food for the victims.

Some rescued families have been accommodated at St. Mary's Church and School in Risalpur and at Christ Church and School in Nowshera.

As many as 1,500 people have died in Pakistan's worst flooding in 70 years.

The UN and several countries have announced millions of dollars in aid to help the flood victims in Pakistan.

A UN envoy is to assess flood conditions and seek international assistance for victims of the disaster.

"In response to the tragic flood disaster in Pakistan, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has asked his special envoy for assistance to Pakistan, Jean-Maurice Ripert, to travel to the country as soon as possible," said spokesman Martin Nesirky.

The United Nations warned that clean drinking water and sanitation were urgently needed to stop disease spreading among survivors.