As floods devastate Pakistan, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched an urgent appeal to help millions across the country who are in need of immediate help to survive.

One third of the country – an area the size of the UK – has been submerged, according to the government of Pakistan, with floods sweeping away entire communities and leaving more than a million homes destroyed or badly damaged. At least 1,100 people have already been killed and 6 million more are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.

The immediate focus of the relief effort is to save lives and provide temporary shelter and blankets to people who have lost their homes, clean water and sanitation to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases, food and medical assistance.

Fundraising effort has already begun, with many finding inventive ways to raise urgent money to help the Pakistani people. Bob and Roberta Smith, a pair of artists from Ramsgate, are auctioning off a watercolour painting for a £200 donation to the DEC Pakistan appeal.

DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said:

“Our priority right now is to help save and protect lives as waters continue to rise. The scale of these floods has caused a shocking level of destruction – crops have been swept away and livestock killed across huge swathes of the country, which means hunger will follow. DEC charities are doing all they can but donations from the British public will make a huge difference in enabling them to reach more people. We’re urging everyone to give whatever they can at what we appreciate is a difficult time for us all.”

To donate to the DEC Pakistan Floods Appeal, visit: dec.org.uk/appeal/pakistan-floods-appeal.