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Pakistan floods

The situation

Catastrophic flooding in Pakistan has affected more than 33 million people. The floods have created a humanitarian crisis, with more than 1300 people killed and more being reported, as well as widespread destruction of homes, roads, schools, health facilities and other critical infrastructure and loss of livestock.

The situation for communities in flood-affected areas is getting worse day by day. Entire villages have been swept away. People are living out in the open with basic sheets over their heads and access to latrines is very limited. CARE is very concerned about the outbreak of waterborne diseases including diarrhea and cholera, which will make the already dire situation even worse as the monsoon season typically runs to the end of September.

As they are in any crisis, women and children will be most at-risk in the weeks and months to come. Countless women and girls affected by the floods are now sleeping out in the open with little more than a basic sheet over their heads and many do not have access to latrines—this is particularly challenging for pregnant and lactating women and menstruating women and girls. 

Violence against women also increases in the aftermath of a disaster, which means that safe shelter and protection for women and girls is crucial.

Balochistan and Sindh, the two provinces hardest hit by the floods, are also among the country’s most food insecure. These communities have faced multiple shocks in recent times including high food prices, drought, livestock diseases, the COVID-19 pandemic and now these devastating floods, which have destroyed crops, washed away stored dry food and left land too waterlogged to plant the next lot of planned crops. All of this will make the food security situation even worse.

What we are doing

CARE has worked in Pakistan since 2005 and is providing life saving emergency assistance in Balochistan province, which includes the distribution of  tents, tarps, emergency latrine kits, and everyday essentials such as cooking pots, mosquito nets and menstrual hygiene products. 

CARE is also planning to set up safe spaces for women and children in the camps for displaced people. 

According to CARE Pakistan Country Director, Adil Sheraz, “CARE is seeking to raise [funds] so we can provide both immediate assistance, and longer-term recovery support over the next three years. Right now, we are particularly concerned about people being exposed to the elements and outbreaks of waterborne diseases, including diarrhea, so we are focusing on getting shelter, hygiene and other essential items to affected communities.”

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