World Vision to help 150,000 people affected by floods in Pakistan

“This disaster is worse than the earthquake in 2005 because after the earthquake, people could recover things like jewellery, mattresses and utensils, while this flood swept away everything they had,” said Shaharyar Bangash, World Vision’s programme manager in Pakistan. “Because of this, recovering from the flood will take much longer.”

This disaster is worse than the earthquake in 2005 because after the earthquake, people could recover things like jewellery, mattresses and utensils, while this flood swept away everything they had According to various estimates, between four and fifteen million people will be affected by these floods and need a variety of help, including food, water, shelter, basic cooking and hygiene items, health services, community rehabilitation, and psychological/social support.

“Fruit and vegetable crops have been lost, houses have been damaged or destroyed, and fresh water sources have been contaminated. Houses that are still standing are badly damaged and filled with mud and sand. Women especially need support. We also expect that farmers will need expert help over the coming months if the agriculture sector – a key economic driver in the region – is to recover,” Bangash said.

Over the next three months, World Vision has immediate plans to help in four of the worst-affected districts; Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, and Lower Dir in KPK, where it already works and has strong ties with the community. The organisation also plans to expand its operations into Punjab and Sindh as the continuing rains threaten those who live there.

We also expect that farmers will need expert help over the coming months if the agriculture sector – a key economic driver in the region – is to recover World Vision has already delivered food and water to more than 14,000 people living in school buildings and on what’s left of the main roads in Charsadda and Nowshera. The organisation has also opened additional emergency health clinics in Lower Dir and so far has treated over 100 people who are suffering from water-borne diseases and other illnesses related to the floods.

As flood waters recede and more communities become accessible, World Vision plans to distribute water purification packets and hygiene kits to 150,000 people, tents to 22,500, cooking items to 75,000, and food to at least 37,500. The organisation also aims to provide cash-for-work activities to 1,000 people, open seven health posts, set up 20 child-friendly spaces and 20 women-friendly spaces to provide a safe and comfortable environment for children and women to interact with peers and receive support.

World Vision continues to work closely and in partnership with the United Nations and other non-governmental organisations through the Pakistan Humanitarian Forum to ensure that effective, efficient, and timely assistance is given to the children, women, and men affected by the floods.

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