HE Asian community is concerned about the rising death toll from the devastating floods affecting parts of India and Pakistan as the Monsoon rainy season got underway with a ferocious downpour last weekend in the foothills of the Himalayan mountain ranges.

In Pakistan's capital a 100 year record was broken this week when over 600mm of rain fell in just 24 hours, resulting in rain water rushing off the hillsides and into the dry streams, which overflowed in the built up areas along their paths in the nearby twin city of Rawalpindi.

Nearly 500 people and countless animals have lost their lives in sudden floods both in Pakistan's northern areas and the Mid-Eastern state of Orissa in India, where the Monsoon rains are causing havoc, after the cruel months of drought when people were praying for rain.

We should be thankful that our rainfall is spread throughout the year, even though it can put the summer on hold.

The recent floods may not be the result of global warming but it is disconcerting to note that the frequency and severity of natural disasters throughout the world is on the increase.

Yet we find the world's most developed and powerful nations, The G8, are squabbling about who should cut the amount of harmful pollutants first and by how much, which has something to do with all this.

WYCOMBE Area Primary Care Group, which plans for 150,000 people in the Wycombe area, is looking for someone who has knowledge of local minority ethnic groups to contribute to discussions about healthcare.

The Primary Care Group (PCG) is on the hunt for a second co-opted lay member, who will be expected to represent the interests of the local community and should live in the area.

Training opportunities will be available to enable the new lay member to increase his or her skills and understanding of the work of the PCG board.

The co-opted lay members have full speaking rights at board meetings but no right of vote.

They work alongside GP, nurse, social services and health authority non-executive representatives and the chief executive.

The lay members are expected to be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to the NHS, as well as a commitment to the needs of the local community.

They should also be good communicators and have plenty of common sense.

They are expected to be able to demonstrate an interest in healthcare issues and be available for about three days each month.

Apart from attending board meetings and serving on its committees the lay member is expected to contribute to board discussions and decisions on the long term development of healthcare in the Wycombe area.

They are expected to contribute to discussions on the development of the primary care trust and ensure that the PCG meets its commitment to patients by meeting

national targets for treatment and liaise with various community groups among other things and adhere to the PCG's code of conduct.

If you are interested, contact Jayne Stone, chief executive, on 01628 850754.