Attachments
1. Executive Summary
Following the catastrophic flash floods of August 15 , 2025, SPO (Strengthening Participatory Organization) conducted a series of qualitative data collection activities Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) on 17 & 18 August, food distribution on 19 August and Primary Data Collection on 23 August, 2025, in multiple flood-affected villages of Buner District. This report consolidates findings from seven individual interviews with male heads of households and three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with women, girls, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). th th th th rd The findings reveal a multi-faceted and severe humanitarian situation. Livelihoods have been completely decimated, with agricultural lands, livestock, and small businesses destroyed, leaving families with no source of income. The most urgent and consistently requested need across all participant groups is unconditional cash grants, which are seen as the most dignified and flexible form of aid to restore livelihoods and address specific household needs. This is followed by the need for food assistance, shelter repair materials, and basic household items like beds and mattresses.
Significant protection gaps were identified, particularly for women, children, the elderly, and PWDs. Women and girls face harassment risks at crowded distribution points, and there is a complete absence of safe spaces or confidential reporting mechanisms. Health needs are acute, with a high risk of waterborne diseases, disrupted care for chronic illnesses, and severe psychological distress (trauma, anxiety) across the community. Women’s unpaid care burden has increased dramatically.
Crucially, women are unanimously reported as being excluded from community-level decision-making regarding aid distribution. The report concludes with priority recommendations focused on scaling up cash assistance, integrating protection and MHPSS into all responses, ensuring aid is inclusive and accessible, and establishing community participation mechanisms that meaningfully include women and other vulnerable groups.