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Pakistan is reeling from the most devastating floods in recent history.
Nearly one-third of the country is submerged in water with more than 1300 dead, thousands injured, and about a million homeless. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the catastrophic floods in Pakistan have affected at least 33 million people.
Multistorey hotels in popular tourist destinations have crumbled and fallen into the flowing water, while roads and bridges have just washed away, cutting off entire settlements from other parts of the region. The flood spurred by torrential rainfall has destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes, ruined acres of agricultural land, and left a large chunk of the population utterly helpless as men, women, and children sit under the open sky, awaiting aid.
Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been hit particularly badly. However, that doesn’t mean other parts of the country have fared any better in the face of the natural disaster. According to the latest reports, the authorities have declared 80 districts “calamity hit” nationwide – including 31 in Balochistan, 23 in Sindh, 17 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, six in Gilgit Baltistan and three in Punjab.
While several countries, international organisations, and non-profit groups have reached out to help Pakistan in these trying times, the federal and provincial governments have also announced multiple flood relief measures to help deal with the aftermath of the torrential monsoon in Pakistan.
This guide will tell you all about the latest initiatives undertaken by the government to help flood victims in different parts of the country. Therefore, if you or someone you love has been affected by this natural disaster, this blog might be able to help you out.
2022 Pakistan Floods: The Latest Statistics
Before we delve into the official flood relief measures, let’s take a quick look at the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan.
As of September 11, 2022, the rising waters have fully destroyed or partially damaged more than 1.74 million houses. This number is increasing at an alarming rate, with the figure almost doubling in the short span of ten days. In addition, at least 664,000 people have been displaced and are presently living in shelters and collective sites – including 47,000 pregnant women. Meanwhile, the number of those living with other families after losing their homes is currently unknown.
It is also pertinent to mention that Sindh and Balochistan have received 5.5 times more rainfall this monsoon season compared to their respective 30-year-averages. That means that most of the flood victims also belong to these two provinces.
Furthermore, more than 6,675 kilometres of roads, 269 bridges, and 22,000 schools have been damaged or destroyed due to the floods in Pakistan so far this year. The concerned authorities believe the full extent of the damage will only become apparent once the water levels begin to recede.
According to the WFP Pakistan Situation Report released on September 12, 2022, more than 134,000 cases of diarrhoea and 44,000 cases of malaria have been reported in Sindh since mid-June. In addition, the floods have reportedly affected at least 650,000 pregnant women, 73,000 of whom are expected to deliver next month without access to proper health care facilities.
Top Flood Relief Measures You Should Know About
Here are some of the most notable steps the federal and provincial governments have taken to help those struggling due to the Pakistan flood disaster.
Emergency Flood Relief Helplines
The Ministry of Information and Technology (MOIT) has launched a national emergency helpline to help those impacted by the recent floods in Pakistan. It will allow the flood victims to contact authorities and ask for help. They can also request medicine, water, food, and other forms of assistance by contacting 911.
Similarly, the Pakistan Army has also established a flood relief helpline. Flood victims can get in touch with the Army help desks across the country by dialling 1135.
Please make sure to check our list of emergency services in Pakistan for more information.
Medical and Flood Relief Camps
Federal and provincial governments have set up hundreds of medical and flood relief camps in rural and urban areas to facilitate those displaced by the floods. The victims are provided with cooked food, water, medicines, and mosquito nets at these temporary shelters.
It is also worth mentioning that the Sindh Education Department is working alongside the district administration to set up tent schools in relief camps for the flood-affected students.
Moreover, according to the National Flood Response Coordination Centre (NFRCC), the Pakistan Army has so far established 147 relief camps and 284 donation centres across the country for the collection and distribution of food, medicine and other necessities to flood victims.
Zero University Fee for Students in Flood-Stricken Areas
Federal Education Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain has directed Chairman Higher Education Commission Dr Mukhtar Ahmed to defer the university fee payments for students living in flood-stricken areas. He also asked the HEC to introduce undergraduate and graduate scholarship programs for those affected by this natural disaster.
Punjab Government Launches Website for Flood Relief Donations
The Government of Punjab has just launched a website s that allows people from all over the world to donate to flood victims in Pakistan.
The website only asks donors to add their name, email address, and the amount of money they would like to donate. If an individual is donating from outside of Pakistan, their funds are calculated in USD. However, if someone is donating from Pakistan, the total amount will appear in PKR.
Once you have filled all three fields, click on the “Donate Now” button at the bottom. It will redirect you to another webpage where you can add your credit card or debit card information.
Free Medical Facilities for Flood Victims in Sindh
The Government of Sindh has announced to establish a free health care facility for the flood victims in the region. According to a statement by the Office of Commissioner Karachi, a special medical facility is being set up at the Dow Medical University Hospital in the metropolis. Those living in flood relief camps will soon receive a letter from the Deputy Commissioner, providing them with access to free treatment.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Introduces Flood Reporting App
The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has launched a Flood Reporting App in a bid to provide timely assistance to those impacted by the natural calamity.
According to the Provincial Minister for Science and Information Technology Atif Khan, the app will allow people across the province to request medical assistance and food. He said once the concerned authorities receive the information, they would work alongside the Provincial Disaster Management Authority to offer assistance to those in need.
Extension of CNIC Renewal Deadline for Flood Victims
NADRA has extended the CNIC renewal deadline for the residents of flood-hit areas. According to a statement issued by the national database authority, the identity cards expiring in May 2022 can now be renewed by December 31, 2022.
However, please note that this extension is currently applicable for those living in Balochistan, Sukkur, and Dera Ghazi Khan.
On a side note, Federal Minister of Interior Rana Sanaullah has recently introduced a new NADRA Biker Service, which provides a door-to-door facility for those seeking to renew or modify their CNICs.
Govt. Launches Digital Flood Dashboard
Planning Minister and National Flood Response and Coordination Centre (NFRCC) Deputy Chairman Ahsan Iqbal has recently launched the “Digital Flood Dashboard” on the special directives of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. It will ensure transparency in the relief efforts in flood-stricken areas across Pakistan.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Ahsan Iqbal said the digital dashboard will provide the general public, press, and development partners with accurate information about the disbursement of financial support and relief aid provided by donors within and outside the country. Moreover, it will offer all the relevant information about the relief efforts and present receipts of aid distribution on both federal and provincial levels.
Moreover, the prime minister will personally oversee the Digital Flood Dashboard as per his promise to the nation and the international community.
Note: This guide will be regularly updated with more government initiatives. Therefore, please make sure to check back frequently.
This brings us to the end of our guide on the steps being taken to help the victims of the 2022 Pakistan floods. You can play a role in the relief efforts by helping those who have lost their homes, livestock, and belongings by donating cash, clothes, food, and other commodities to the nearest relief camps or donation centres.
For the latest updates on the Pakistan flood disaster and flood relief measures, please stay connected to Zameen Blog – the best lifestyle and property blog in Pakistan. You can share your comments and feedback with us at blog@zameen.com. Furthermore, don’t forget to visit and like our Facebook page to stay up-to-date about the latest trends in the real estate industry.
Cover Image Credits: Facebook/PDMA Balochistan
