ACT Alliance

Survivors of Pakistan's floods on devastated farmland.
Photo: ACT/ICCO/Saskia Bolt

Although the floodwaters have largely receded, five million Pakistanis remain homeless as a result of the massive monsoon rains that submerged 20 per cent of Pakistan and killed 2000 people six months ago.

The worst floods to hit Pakistan in 80 years left the Pakistan needing years of support to recover its infrastructure, jobs, housing and farmland.

ACT Alliance members supporting the clean-up and restoration say the huge challenges facing flood survivors in Pakistan will continue well into the future.

Many of the 20 million affected have resumed their lives, however the presence of silt, standing water and saturated soil make rebuilding houses and restoring farmland difficult or impossible in some areas.

Although ACT members in Pakistan were quick to roll up their sleeves, the “slow dripping” humanitarian relief is putting at risk the lives of millions including women and children who remain vulnerable, ACT says.

Winter demands that the priorities are reconstruction of homes, health services – particularly treatment of respiratory illnesses - food, clean water and restoration of livelihoods.

“All of this needs to be done quickly regardless of people’s beliefs, race or where they live. If this is not attended to by the international community the consequences for survivors are going to be far-reaching,” says Marvin Parvez, of the ACT in Pakistan.

ACT promises unfailing continued support to the people affected by this disaster. Already tens of thousands of people have received food, shelter and medical assistance from ACT. Mobile health clinics have provided healthcare, consultations and antenatal care, temporary housing has been offered, as have household goods.