Water is Life, Local Charities Aiding Pakistan Flood Victims

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITYY -- The Oklahoma standard never fails, and once again it is working to help the over 15 million people affected by the flood in Pakistan.

This disaster has affected more people than the Haiti quake, 2004 tsunami and 2005 Pakistan earthquake combined and that number is growing.

It is the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and for Razi Hashmi he's praying for his family and those devastated by the Pakistan floods that have affected over 17 million people and left many more homeless.

"I've seen Pakistan areas before and now to see it after is really heartbreaking," Hashmi said.

Local mosques, including the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City, have raised over $100,000 to aid the victims and because of Ramadan, the spirit is to be more giving.

"The rural areas are affected more than the cities because the infrastructure isn't there and it's devastating to see what's taking place," Hashmi said.

Edmond-based Water is Life is working to distribute 1,000 filter tubes to victims devastated by the flood in the last month.

The organization has been packing the supplies ready to be shipped out.

"The need is great with 15 to 20 million people affected. We're talking to different groups right now that can provide the tubes to the victims," said Ken Surritte, founder of Water is Life.

Donations from American Red Cross are contributing millions of dollars to aid victims left homeless and hungry by the flood.

"Nationally, we've responded financially and we've bumped up the aid from $1 to $5 million," Kyla Campbell, Red Cross of Central Oklahoma spokesperson, said.