What is the situation in Pakistan?
Thanks to fantastic support from generous Kiwis, World Vision was able to provide immediate, life-saving assistance to those affected by last year’s devastating floods in Pakistan. But one year on, we are calling for ongoing support to continue helping families rebuild their lives, while up to five million people could be at risk once again as this year’s monsoon rains are causing river levels to rise.
“World Vision has completed its initial emergency response in the worst-hit provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Punjab. However, the most vulnerable have barely started on the long road to recovery,” says Ian McInnes, World Vision New Zealand’s Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs (HEA) Manager, who recently returned from Pakistan.
Issues covered: Flood devastation, malnutrition, healthcare, water and sanitation, disaster risk reduction, long-term rebuilding
Focus areas: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Sindh and Punjab provinces
How is World Vision helping?
In the wake of the floods that affected more than 20 million people and plunged approximately one-fifth of Pakistan – an area the size of the United Kingdom – underwater, World Vision has embarked on an 18-month humanitarian response. Kiwis have, so far, generously donated $837,000 to our Pakistan appeal. Between August 2010 and February this year, the following has been achieved:
- 1.5 million people have received food, clean water, hygiene kits, blankets and shelter
- Along with women- and infant-friendly spaces, more than 20 mobile clinics have been established – in many cases the only form of healthcare on offer
- World Vision is further responding to Sindh’s high malnutrition rates through community-based programmes and training sessions
What are some of the challenges?
- Reconstruction after last year’s floods is estimated to cost more than US$10 billion, almost a quarter of the national budget
- More than 800,000 families are still without proper homes, and many flood defences, such as river embankments, destroyed in last year’s floods have not yet been properly repaired
How can I help?
Thousands of flood-affected children and families still need your urgent help. To help the people of Pakistan back on their feet, please make a donation today, by clicking here.
Ian McInnes, World Vision New Zealand’s HEA Manager.Ian McInnes, World Vision New Zealand’s HEA Manager, found Pakistan’s endemic poverty and lack of social services overwhelming on his recent visit to the country. “Half of all children have dropped out of school and one-fifth die before their 5th birthday from preventable causes. In many cases, World Vision has established vital services that were never there to begin with and we are fighting to carry these on. Although people have been generous with their donations, the overall United Nations (UN) appeal of US$2 billion for Pakistan remains only two-thirds funded. Food, clean water, shelter and healthcare remain the most urgent needs. As families return home, rebuilding houses and livelihoods are going to be the big, long-term issues,” stressed McInnes.
Flood-affected mothers and babies being cared for in a World Vision women- and infant-friendly space. Key Facts:
- 20 million people affected
- 1.7 million homes damaged
- 2.2 million hectares of crops and 450,000 livestock lost in the floods
- Child malnutrition has increased to almost 25 per cent in worst-hit areas like Sindh
- World Vision assisted with emergency food, water and shelter, and will continue with longer-term rebuilding programmes
