ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (August 6, 2010) – Covenant World Relief funds are being used in Pakistan to help people who have been devastated by flooding that has affected 12 million people.

World Relief International uses funds from the denomination’s ministry to provide initial relief in disaster areas where they have existing partnerships with local organizations. Covenant money will help provide food, shelter, hygiene kits and other items.

Authorities say the catastrophic flooding is the worst in at least the past 80 years of the impoverished nation’s history. According to the United Nations and other organizations, more than 12 million people have been affected.

Many Pakistanis in the worst-hit areas remain completely cut off, without access to communications. Roads are limited and helicopters have failed to reach the stranded people.

Authorities say they expect the number of deaths to climb much higher than the several hundred already counted. The flooding is expected to worsen – the monsoon season is only half over.