ECHO, the European Union's humanitarian
aid office, has granted Islamic Relief 300,000 Euros for rehabilitation
projects in flood-struck Sindh, in Southern Pakistan.
Heavy rains in July and August this
year caused severe flooding across the coastal region of Sindh. The worst
monsoon for a decade resulted in over 230 deaths and widespread devastation.
An estimated one million people were left homeless as tens of thousands of homes were destroyed. Agriculture was also severely hit with over 45,000 acres of crops destroyed and nearly 20,000 head of cattle killed.
In urban areas drainage systems collapsed, and a mixture of sewage and water flooded the streets. The disaster follows a five-year drought which has already impoverished the rural Sindhi population. Now hundreds of families are facing destitution.
Islamic Relief Response
Islamic Relief responded to the disaster with an initial 10,000 Euros worth of emergency aid. The funds provided 261 of the most needy families with food packs, water purifiers, jerry cans, hygiene kits, and cooking equipment to help them survive the worst of the disaster.
As the floodwaters recede, the focus shifts from relief to rehabilitation. Flood victims require months of support as they attempt to rebuild their lives and recover their livelihoods.
The ECHO grant will allow Islamic Relief to implement seed distributions, livestock vaccinations, rehabilitation of water supplies, and hygiene awareness education amongst the most vulnerable families.
The projects will help approximately 60,000 beneficiaries in three of the worst affected areas - Pangrio, Khoski, and Jherkus in Taluka Tando Bago.