THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore has established an emergency relief fund to respond to the disastrous consequences of flooding in Pakistan.

Torrential monsoon rains triggered the floods which have affected 20 million people in three weeks, wiping out villages, farmland, infrastructure and killing at least 1,400 people in the nation's worst natural disaster.

One hundred percent of all contributions to this fund will be allocated directly to the relief effort, which is being coordinated by THE ASSOCIATED's overseas partner, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), and will provide immediate humanitarian aid to flood victims and their families. The world's leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, JDC has previously provided relief to the Pakistani people in the wake of the disastrous 2005 and 2008 earthquakes.

"By harnessing our vast experience in international disaster relief and tapping our network of partners on the ground to assess the most pressing needs, JDC will quickly respond to those affected by the floods in Pakistan," said JDC CEO Steven Schwager. "Guided by the principle of tikkun olam (repairing the world), we'll help ensure that the most vulnerable are reached."

JDC, which provides life-saving food, clothing, medicine, and other necessities in more than 70 countries around the globe, has implemented similar relief efforts in places like Haiti, countries in South Asia in the wake of Indian Ocean Tsunami, and in Myanmar after Cyclone Nargis. One hundred percent of funds collected will be directed to relief efforts. JDC is closely coordinating with the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and Interaction in Washington D.C.

To make a donation to the emergency fund, visit www.associated.org. To learn more about the JDC's work in Pakistan, visit www.jdc.org.