In August, as many as four million people became homeless by the worst South Asian floods in 80 years. In the aftermath of disaster, the lack of clean water, combined with poor living conditions, intensified the threat of waterborne illnesses. In response to Pakistan’s floods, Xylem Corporation, in partnership with Mercy Corps, donated five portable water treatment systems to the Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of Pakistan.
“We are pleased to be using our expertise in fluid technology to support Mercy Corps in providing victims with immediate and longterm assistance,” said Steve Loranger, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Xylem. “Our funds and products are being used to provide life-saving water and to prevent the spread of waterborne disease.”
Within hours of being notified of the Pakistan disaster, Xylem authorized the release of $62,000 of Xylem’s 2010 emergency response fund to Mercy Corps for providing clean water to flood victims. The company is also matching all its employee donations to Mercy Corps’ Pakistan relief efforts. Xylem and Mercy Corps’ joint activities also include trucking and chlorination of water, repair of waterrelated infrastructure and restoration and construction of new water sources.
The World Health Organization estimates that only 1.2 million of the more than 15 million people affected by the flooding had access to safe water supplies. Xylem’s donated water treatment units are able to provide critical clean water to as many as 200,000 people.