ActionAid's Pakistan Flood Relief

One year on from the flood that devastated Pakistan, we're working with communities to rebuild after the disaster.  

In the first year of response we’ve reached over 234,000 people. We’ve put the most vulnerable people – particularly women – at the centre of our work.

In the immediate aftermath of the floods we worked with partner organizations and community members to distribute food packages, plastic sheets for shelter, kitchen utensils and clothing, as well as fodder for livestock.

In the first five months alone ActionAid reached over 19,000 of the most vulnerable households, including nearly 700 people with disabilities as well as 6,200 ActionAid sponsored children and their families.  

Cash-for-work programs – in which people are paid to work on agriculture projects, clear away flood debris or rebuilding damaged houses and public buildings - have helped thousands of families, start to earn an income once again.

Through other livelihoods programs we’ve provided women with goats and chickens, and supported them to open small businesses – helping to bring back a sense of self-worth and economic independence that was lost with the floods.

"I lost my cattle and grains in the floods and was left with no source of income. With ActionAid’s help I managed to set up a shop.  At first, people said I wouldn’t be able to do it.  But I worked with honesty and dedication.  Soon business picked up and now I make enough to live comfortably.  I feel I have set an example for other women." Jindan Mai, South Punjab

We also set up centers where women and children can gather in a safe environment to share their experiences of the floods – a crucial step in their emotional recovery.  The centers also provided informal education for children not able to get to school, and training on healthcare, good hygiene practices, women’s rights and protection, to help keep people safe in the camps.

Helping ensure people are less vulnerable to future disasters is a core part of our ongoing work.  In eight areas we’ve supported village committees to develop flooding contingency plans in collaboration with government departments.