Pakistan is one of the most climate-prone countries, and the extreme weather events of the last two decades have taken a severe toll. The country has experienced an unusual amount of monsoon rainfall this year, three times higher than the last three decades, which affected more than 33 million people, killing almost 1,700 and displacing nearly 8 million from their homes. There were massive flash floods and one-third of the country was under water. There are still millions of people out there, who have no shelter. The sheer scale of this disaster is beyond comprehension.
Affected communities facing a daunting challenge such as how to survive without housing, food, clean water, and fuel sources. In the areas where floods have receded, health and hygiene concerns including cholera, dengue and malaria, pose severe threats to people’s well-being. Women and girls continue to endure the most of the impact of the floods.
To deal with such humanitarian crisis of epic proportions, Pakistan Red Crescent Society in the early phase mobilized its resources including trained teams of staff and volunteers and its relief stock to meet the urgent needs of affected families. the PRCS in collaboration with IFRC, ICRC and Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners, have reached out to more than 2.7 million people in 55 districts of the country, delivering critical life-saving assistance to flood-affected families. The Red Crescent teams are working closely with government agencies to coordinate needs assessment, also providing survivors with critical relief such as food, safe drinking water, tents, blankets, cooking utensils, medical support and much needed cash assistance to reset their livelihood.
Massive needs require massive support; the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched an appeal of 55 Million Swiss Franc for the humanitarian assistance of flood-affected population soon after the floods in Pakistan. PRCS has received some donations but due to extreme funding constraints, the National Society is looking for substantial funds for the recovery phase that will extend to 31st May 2023 and for its future plans on rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
The relief phase has concluded and now PRCS requests the potential donors at national and international levels including philanthropists, industrialists, business communities, corporate sector etc. to provide concrete support for the smooth execution and implementation of recovery and rehabilitation efforts. These will include restoration of livelihood support, shelter, construction of low-cost permanent houses and latrines, Disaster Risk Reduction, public health related projects, health & hygiene, provision of medical assistance and installation of solarized water filtration plants, to ensure families meet their basic needs for well-being. safety, and their path to self-sufficiency.
Please step forward and join our hands to alleviate the sufferings of the vulnerable communities. We are hopeful to receive expected contributions and support from you. The task is huge and without your support, we cannot accomplish set targets. Be a part of this noble cause, your donations, whether huge or small can save someone’s life, can help us in providing shelter to families and will enable us to respond in more effective and efficient way to help those who need most!