Episcopal Relief & Development Responds to Flooding in Pakistan

Episcopal Relief & Development will be contributing through the ACT Alliance's general appeal for those affected by the recent flooding in Pakistan. Disaster response activities will help vulnerable people in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh.

After three weeks of what appear to be the heaviest monsoon rains in 35 years, over a third of Pakistan is now under water. This flooding is the worst natural disaster in the country's history. Beginning in the northern part of the country, the waters are continuing to move downstream, affecting major parts of the country in the south as well. According to recent estimates, nearly 14 million people are affected, and the figures are rising. The death toll has reached over 1,600 and around 2 million people are homeless.

"The scale of this disaster is tremendous," said Nagulan Nesiah, the International Program Officer overseeing Episcopal Relief & Development's response. "Especially for those who are more at risk in a disaster, like women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities, the need for relief is great."

The emergency relief provided by ACT's on-the-ground partners in Pakistan seeks to address the most basic needs of those affected by the flooding. ACT is working through local implementing partners to provide food and other critical items to over 86,500 people, shelter kits for 25,500 persons, and health care to 36,500 individuals.

In a place where food insecurity is already widespread and the celebration of Ramadan has led to price increases, food aid is especially important at this time. The food kits being distributed include rations of wheat flour, rice, cooking oil, pulses, sugar, tea and salt. In addition, families are being provided with jerry cans, plastic buckets, kitchen sets, mosquito nets, hygiene kits and plastic floor mats and sheeting to protect against the rain.

"Our prayers are with the millions of people who are affected by the flooding," Nesiah said, "and we pray for the aid workers in the region who are helping to bring relief to those in need."

Additionally, Episcopal Relief & Development is in touch with the Diocese of Peshawar of the Church of Pakistan. There are Episcopal Relief & Development funds available in the Diocese which are being redirected for flood assistance to 1,340 families in affected areas where the church has a presence and can deliver assistance. We continue to offer our prayers and stand in solidarity with their efforts.