In August, Pakistan faced terrible floods that destroyed several towns. The heavy monsoon rains caused flash floods and river overflows, affecting millions of people, particularly vulnerable populations such as women, children, and the elderly. On the 25th of August, after suffering from multiple destructive floods, Pakistan declared a state of emergency.
Recognising the urgent need to address the housing and water and sanitation crisis in the flood-affected communities in Pakistan, Knowledge E Foundation made a donation to support UNICEF’s efforts on the ground.
More than 1,700 people lost their lives and around 33 million others were forcibly displaced due to the floods. With thousands of homes destroyed, people are living in the open. For the affected communities, the cold, hunger, malnutrition, waterborne diseases and continuously heavy monsoon rain have made matters worse.
The floods critically damaged infrastructure, including sanitary water supply systems, making access to clean and safe water a dire challenge. As a result, individuals in the affected areas are now exposed to a number of waterborne diseases that could pose a threat to healthcare and wellbeing of children. Months after the floods, the communities are still grappling with the aftermath of this disaster. Many families are struggling to rebuild their lives after the floods have deprived them of everything they had.
UNICEF was one of the first responders to the emergency, providing urgent assistance, restoring access to safe water and sanitation facilities, distributing hygiene kits, to prevent water-borne diseases, supplying medical care and nutrition support to affected children and pregnant women to ensure their well-being.
“The devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan and the distressing circumstances that the impacted communities are experiencing deeply sadden us. We are grateful to UNICEF and other responders for giving help and life-saving assistance to those who need it at the most crucial time”, Founder and CEO of Knowledge E and the Knowledge E Foundation, Mr Kamran R. Kardan, stated.
The United Arab Emirates was one of the countries that played a crucial role in relief efforts, dispatching more than 60 planes and creating an air bridge. The planes transported tonnes of medicine, food, and shelter material to the affected areas. UAE ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Salem Al Zaabi, also reported that more than one Emirati humanitarian foundation has been on the ground since the start of the floods. Aid and relief efforts were offered by Emirates Red Crescent, the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, and Sharjah Charity International.
The catastrophic disaster has left many without a roof over their heads. As members of the Balochistan and Sindh communities continue to work hard to rebuild their lives, incoming aid and donations can go a long way in helping them back to their feet.
UNICEF is still assisting to provide safe drinking water for the affected regions. If you would like to make a donation
to this cause through UNICEF, click here.