Responding to the Floods in Pakistan

Crisis in Pakistan

The people of Pakistan have been afflicted by heavy rains and flooding since late July. To date, the scope of the damage is immense: a fifth of the country – an area the size of California is under water, 4 million people are homeless, and almost all food crops have been destroyed. The scope of Pakistan’s needs is also immense. Most of the people affected still lack access to shelter, food, and clean water. These and preventing disease are the top priorities in times of crisis.

Women and Children Too

Hunger, cold, and thirst affect everyone following a natural disaster. However, in Pakistan as in other countries, women and children suffer the most in times of crisis. This is because women and children are more likely to live in poverty, to suffer from malnutrition and poor health, and to live in regions where land is cheap but vulnerable to flooding. Following a natural disaster, women and children are also more vulnerable to assault and violence. They also have special health needs – particularly pregnant women and young children. In times of crisis, it is critical to address these specific needs too.

World Accord’s Response

World Accord is responding to the floods in Pakistan through its partner, the Insan Foundation. Insan promotes grassroots peace-building and the inclusion of women through education and training projects. Insan conducted a rapid assessment shortly after the flooding began. It found that many of the security and health needs of women and children are not being addressed.

Insan and World Accord are responding to this gap by providing emergency kits to women in communities in the extreme North and South of Pakistan. These kits include blankets, emergency rations, feminine hygiene products, and solar-powered lanterns – for the security they provide.

How to Help

World Accord’s past experience in Pakistan, and its relationship with Insan guarantee that all assistance will reach those who need it most. You can help learn how to help by visiting the donate section of our website, or by calling our office at 1-800-747-2644.

For more information on the work of World Accord and the Insan Foundation in response to the floods in Pakistan, please contact

Nelson Rosales

Program Officer,

nrosales@worldaccord.org