Plan relief efforts continue as more rain hits Pakistan

The flood situation in Pakistan continues to worsen, as more rains are forecasted over the next three days.

Since July 25th, over 2,500 people have died and 3 million more have been displaced. An estimated 70% of those affected are women and children.

To date, Plan has provided direct aid, food and shelter assistance to over 13,000 families – some 100,000 people.

In Punjab, the agricultural backbone of the country, over 1.1 million acres of crops have been destroyed, causing fears of a food shortage. There are also growing concerns over conditions in emergency camps, as the arrival of thousands of people displaced by the floods puts a strain on health and shelter facilities.

In Layyah, one of the worst hit districts in Southern Punjab, approximately 300,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. An estimated 100,000 people are living in camps, while another 100,000 are believed to scattered along the river banks with their salvaged belongings and livestock.

Shahnawaz Khan, Plan’s disaster risk reduction programme coordinator in Pakistan, said: “We saw mainly women and children and it was sad to see the state of affairs they were in. There were around 55 – 60 people in a room that is only 16x16 feet. This room also contained whatever belongings these people could salvage after the rescue or evacuation.”

A Plan assessment team visited camps in Layyah to determine the immediate needs of displaced families. Food, health and hygiene remain top priorities, and Plan continues to provide bottled water, cooked meals, and health and hygiene kits to affected families. Health kits that include items to meet the needs of newborn babies and expectant mothers are now being adapted.

The team also found that there were not enough toilets, so additional 10 emergency toilets were put up in each campsite.

To assist in overcrowding and provide privacy for women, Plan is also gearing up to provide large community tents. Play and learning materials will be distributed as recreational kits for children.

In the Sindh province, where tides are expected to reach in the next few days, Plan is focusing on preparedness and the distribution of health and hygiene kits to over 5,000 families.

Plan will continue to monitor the situation in Pakistan and work in coordination with other international organizations and the Pakistan Humanitarian Forum. We will contact sponsors directly if we receive any news about individual sponsored children. If you are planning a visit or have any concerns around this issue, please contact our Donor Relations staff at donorrelations@planusa.org or at 1-800-556-7918.

Donate today to provide immediate relief to children and families affected by floods in Pakistan.

Learn more about Plan's work in Pakistan.