Floods in Pakistan: 30,000 Victims Have Received Aid, But Many Still Need Help

Although Handicap International has already supplied aid to 30,000 flood victims in Pakistan, its efforts have been hampered by a lack of resources.

Still from video shows man clining for his life in India

(ISLAMABAD) - Handicap International has already helped 30,000 victims of the devastating floods in Pakistan since it released $131,800 in general funds to launch its emergency relief response on August 1. To date, the amount of funding that Handicap International has received is far from adequate to cover current needs. Handicap International is counting on everyone to continue to support its relief effort.

The worst natural disaster in Pakistan’s history has thus far affected 20 million people, destroyed 300,000 homes, killed 1,500 people and raised fears of an epidemic. The population remains in desperate need of aid.

Handicap International has already supplied aid to 30,000 people since August 1 and it is continuing to distribute drinking water and other emergency supplies. Our 100-strong emergency response team is currently working in the province of Khyber Pashtoun Khan, particularly in the cities of Kohat and Mingora (Swat, one of the most severely flooded areas) and in rural areas.

Handicap International’s Emergency Response team is distributing drinking water in the northwest area of the country. Access to clean water is a key factor in preventing the spread of disease, cholera in particular. Handicap International is also repairing water supply systems - pumps and water reservoirs - destroyed by the flooding, as well as distributing emergency packs to families to help them to process and store water, and wash and cook with it.

The organization has also begun a clearance project in the districts of Hangu, Swat and Kohat, where local people are working with Handicap International to clear away waste and debris swept along by the floods, and to remove stagnant water, which will enable people to return to the area and will limit the spread of disease. The organization is planning to open an additional base in the district of Tank next week.

On August 1, Handicap International released $131,800 in general funds to launch its relief effort in Pakistan immediately. However, the amount of funding that the organization has received from donors is nowhere near adequate to continue its relief effort there.

“Handicap International, like many other NGOs, has not received enough funding for its relief effort in Pakistan, and, without sufficient support, is not in a position to take all necessary action,” said Stéphane Lobjois, Handicap International’s head of mission in Pakistan.

Handicap International in Pakistan

handicap International has built up extensive expertise in crisis situations following its work in El Salvador and India (2001), Iran (2004), China (2008), Indonesia (2005 and 2009) and Haiti (2010), as well as Pakistan (2005 and 2009). The organization, present in Pakistan since 2005, provides direct aid to the most severely affected victims. To ensure the most vulnerable, the elderly, pregnant women and people with disabilities are able to access responsive and sustainable aid, Handicap International is setting up local facilities - Disability and Vulnerability Focal Points - located close to population centers. These focal points help identify the most vulnerable people and offer care, walking aids and emergency packs.

You can support Handicap International’s emergency response in Pakistan by visiting us online, calling our office or by sending a donation in the mail:

• Online:            www.handicap-international.us
• By phone: + 1 (301) 891-2138
• By mail:

Handicap International / Pakistan Emergency

6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 240

Takoma Park, MD 20912

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Handicap International works to improve the living conditions of people living in disabling situations in post-conflict or low-income countries around the world. Our programs reduce and address the consequences of disabling accidents and disease; clear landmines and prevent mine related accidents through education; respond fast and effectively to natural and civil disasters in order to limit serious and permanent injuries and assist survivors with social and economic reintegration; and advocate for the universal recognition of the rights of the disabled through national planning and advocacy. Handicap International is a co-founder of the Cluster Munition Coalition and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which was awarded the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize.