How to Help the People of Pakistan After Devastating Flooding
Since mid-June, torrential downpours and catastrophic flooding has gravely impacted Pakistan. More than 1,100 people have been killed, according to NPR, and millions of homes, farmlands, and roads have been destroyed.
Over the weekend, devastating flash floods compounded the crisis. Per CBS News, an estimated 33 million Pakistanis have been impacted and one-third of the nation is submerged under water.
Senator Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s top climate official, labeled the extreme flooding “climate-induced humanitarian disaster of epic proportions,” she said in a news conference, per PBS NewsHour. “Pakistan was already facing the disastrous effects of climate change… Now the most devastating monsoon rains in a decade are causing incessant destruction across the country.”
It’s estimated that it will take billions of dollars to repair the damage caused by the floods, and the Pakistani government has asked for a flash appeal of $160 million from the United Nations. “These funds will provide 5.2 million people with food, water, sanitation, emergency education, protection and health support,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message on Tuesday, August 30.
Monsoon season still isn’t over in Pakistan, and more devastation is expected. As the crisis continues, here are some ways you can immediately help the people of Pakistan.
How to help the people of Pakistan
Millions of Pakistanis have been stranded, displaced, and killed by the monsoon flooding. There are a number of organizations to donate to that are on the ground in Pakistan, delivering vital resources such as food, water, basic household necessities, hygiene kits, and shelter.
GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub for credible organizations raising funds for emergency relief. You can find that here. Each fund is reviewed and verified by GoFundMe’s Trust & Safety team, and is continuously updated as more credible organizations emerge. Through GoFundMe, you can also start a certified fundraiser of your own for a verified nonprofit in Pakistan, directly providing support to displaced individuals. You can do so here.
UNICEF is on the ground in Pakistan, helping families and children devastated by the floods. Together with partners, they’re delivering food supplies, water, hygiene kits, and medical supplies.
Save the Children is in the most impacted areas of Pakistan, including the devastated Balochistan province, and are delivering immediate supplies to children and families.
The International Rescue Committee has mobilized in Pakistan, and so far, has reached about 20,000 Pakistanis to deliver food and critical medical supplies. Donate to their efforts here.
Pakistan’s Red Crescent Society is the leading humanitarian organization in the nation, delivering emergency relief and aid to disaster-stricken areas.
The Shahid Afridi Foundation was established by Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi in 2014, and holds chapters in Pakistan, the United States, the UK, Australia, and South Africa. Since August 24, the organization has provided over 4,000 households in the heavily affected Balochistan and Sindh provinces with immediate aid. You can donate to their continued efforts here.
CARE International is supplying tents, tarps, emergency hygiene kits, and other critical resources to the people of Pakistan. “ Our highest priority is supporting women, children and people with special needs. So many have lost just about everything and need our collective support now,” Adil Sheraz, CARE Pakistan Country Director, said in a statement.
After declaring a national state of emergency, the Government of Pakistan has also organized a Flood Relief Fund.
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