Torrential monsoon downpours hit Punjab, prompting humanitarian groups to frantically help thousands of people in need

Flood Emergency in Punjab: Aid Organizations Respond

Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province, is currently facing a severe flood emergency. Over the past 10 days, the floodwaters have affected more than 2.4 million people, resulting in 41 reported deaths.

Several aid organizations have stepped up their humanitarian response to help those affected. The Al-Khidmat Foundation (AKF) has been at the forefront, rescuing and relocating around 30,000 people and 76,000 livestock to safe places. AKF's fleet of 40 ambulances, three mobile health units, and several medical camps are providing services in the affected districts. So far, AKF has spent more than Rs250 million ($889,680) in the flood response.

AKF's efforts are not alone. Islamic Relief aims to reach more than 300,000 individuals and over 30,000 families in the immediate phase of the flood response. They are planning for a £10 million ($13.54 million) recovery, rehabilitation response in Punjab. Medical aid has been provided by Muslim Hands to those suffering from injuries and waterborne diseases.

Muslim Hands relief teams are distributing hot meals and dry food packs in flood-affected areas. They have also overcome the challenge of reaching remote areas through coordination with authorities.

The floodwaters have submerged more than 3,100 villages in Punjab, with over 900,000 people and around 600,000 livestock being relocated to safety due to the floods. Welthungerhilfe, an organization that has provided the largest donation for flood relief in Punjab, Pakistan, has allocated 500,000 euros for emergency aid, surpassing Caritas International's 50,000 euro contribution.

UN Women aims to reach around 6,500 flood-affected individuals, addressing the prioritized needs of women and girls. They are actively collaborating with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and their provincial counterparts to ensure gender issues are integrated into flood preparedness and response efforts. UN Women is also applying a Humanitarian-Peace-Development (HPD) nexus approach in its programming to enhance women's resilience and leadership in crisis situations.

The floodwaters are now moving toward southern Punjab, where the scale and magnitude of devastation are expected to be significant. Continuing rains create challenges in reaching remote areas, but aid organizations are working closely with national and provincial disaster authorities and district administrations to navigate these difficulties.

The World Health Organization (WHO) teams are continuing to support federal and provincial authorities in meeting health needs and saving lives in response to climate-driven floods across the country. WHO has supported Pakistan and partners to prepare the provision of emergency health assistance to 1.3 million vulnerable people across 33 priority districts when necessary.

As the flood emergency in Punjab continues, aid organizations are working tirelessly to provide relief, medical aid, food, and shelter to those affected. The collective efforts of these organizations are crucial in helping Punjab navigate through this challenging time.