Washington (BWA) -- An initial sum of US$10,000 has been granted by Baptist World Aid (BWAid), the relief development arm of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), to assist flood victims in Pakistan.

The funds, which will be used to meet medical, food and shelter needs, will be disbursed through BMS World Mission, the major British Baptist mission organization, and partners, including Operation Mercy.

Additional sums may be granted by BWAid to the Interfaith League Against Poverty, which is working in conjunction with the National Baptist Church of Pakistan.

"The Baptist World Alliance is deeply moved by the level of suffering of the Pakistani people at this time," said Paul Montacute, director of BWAid. "We ask all Baptists to remember the country and people of Pakistan in their prayers and offer practical expressions of help."

Other Baptists are also extending assistance to Pakistan. Canadian Baptist Ministries is working through a group to offer assistance. The Baptist Union of Great Britain donated £10,000 toward the relief efforts to assist approximately 500 families in the Sindh region of North West Pakistan.