Pakistan has been enduring severe monsoon weather since June 2022, with rainfall equivalent to 2.9 times the national 30-year average. This has caused widespread flooding and landslides with severe ramifications for human lives, property, and infrastructure. To date, 81 districts (Balochistan 32, Sindh 23, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 17, Gilgit Baltistan 6, and Punjab 3) are declared ‘calamity hit’ by the Government— a one-third area (70% districts) across Pakistan is affected. Given the ongoing rains and floods flowing through Punjab and Sindh, the number of calamity-declared districts is expected to increase to add misery to millions already affected by the rains and floods.
It is estimated that 73% of vulnerable families are in need of food, temporary shelter, support in water sanitation and hygiene, while livestock owners need feed and vaccinations, and farmers need seeds and fertilizers for the cultivation of important vegetables and crops, in order to cope with the effects of disasters. In addition, affected families need tents, tarpaulins, sleeping mats, blankets, mattresses, mosquito nets and toolkits for debris removal and restoration of damaged houses. To mitigate the risk of outbreaks of communicable diseases in camps, maternal health services for 650,000 pregnant women, of whom 73,000 are expected to deliver this month across the country in the flood-affected areas, need emergency health services with essential medicines, equipment, and supplies. Psychosocial support is required for those affected by significant losses (human lives, animals, property, and livelihoods). Safeguarding measures are required for girls, women, and children for protection against sexual exploitation and abuse, with referral pathways for available support services and safe spaces (NFIs and dignity kits). Likewise, improved access to sufficient and clean water for drinking, cooking, and maintaining personal hygiene along with the provision of culturally appropriate, secure, user-friendly, sanitary and gender-appropriate toilets and washing facilities, and awareness about safe hygiene practices is a prerequisite.
ACT Alliance members Community World Service Asia and Norwegian Church Aid is raising an appeal for USD 4,272,493 to respond to the needs of the flood affected communities through provision of essential needs, medical clinics, and WASH interventions.
