Fear of more flooding in Pakistan

Mubashir Ahmed, Concern’s Assistant Country Director, said: “In Charsadda district, the flood water has begun to recede from many of the areas, so access has improved and we are providing vital assistance to the worst-affected people. However, fears remain that downstream areas will be flooded over the coming days.”

Emergency supplies

We have already distributed emergency supplies to over 4,000 people. These supplies include hygiene kits with soap, toothbrushes, sanitary towels, candles and detergent as well as blankets and plastic sheeting.  

Preventing disease

We are also setting up mobile health tents to treat and prevent the spread of diseases including malaria and diarrhoea. Despite water receding in some areas, the situation remains dire. Once immediate needs are addressed over the coming weeks, a more long-term approach will be required.

Tragedy

Mubashir spoke about the scale of this disaster:

In Charsadda, 85 to 90% of houses have been destroyed by the flood water. People didn’t have the opportunity to salvage anything. Full crops of sugar cane, maize and vegetables, large numbers of livestock have been lost also.

This tragedy comes on the back of other disasters like the 2005 earthquake and the conflict in 2009. Over 60% of the population in Pakistan live on less than $2 per day and three million people have been affected by the flooding already. The generous support of Concern’s emergency appeal is greatly appreciated.