Words by Smiley Team
Monsoon rains have ravaged Pakistan and now, a third of the country is underwater. Satellite photos from the European Space Agency show just the amount of water coverage throughout the country.
So far, more than 1,200 people have died, and over 30 million – about 14 percent of the population – have been displaced. “The scale of devastation is massive and requires an immense humanitarian response for 33 million people," Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said at a news conference.
"For this I appeal to my fellow Pakistanis, Pakistan expatriates and the international community to help Pakistan in this hour of need."
There are national, as well as local and grassroots organisations, dedicated to providing support to Pakistan. So, while many of us might feel helpless, here are several charities you can support right now.
1. Pakistan Red Crescent Society
They run seven provincial and 92 district branches in Pakistan. They rose to prominence for COVID-19 response and now they’re monitoring the ongoing situation and are asking for donations to help. Support them.
2. Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan
This international non-profit has provided aid to Pakistan since 1990, bringing everything from providing disaster management, health services, education, and clean water. Now, they’re working on flood response. Donations can be made on their website for the Pakistan Emergency Flood Relief Appeal project.
Humanity & Inclusion has worked across 60 countries since 1982 providing aid to disaster and conflict areas. They’re working to provide food, medical and hygiene products, and blankets to displaced families and people living with disabilities in Pakistan. Support them.
4. International Medical Corps
Providing aid to Pakistan since 1985, the organization is currently providing healthcare services and training to treat water-borne diseases that arose from a lack of access to clean water in Pakistan. To date, they’ve given more than 30,000 water purification tablets to health officials working in impacted districts and plan to send over 25,000 more soon. They’ve reportedly provided enough medical supplies for at least 4,500 patients within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. You can donate on their website.
Islamic Relief has served communities in Pakistan since 1992. Since the beginning of the flooding, they’ve provided access to clean water, healthcare, and food. They’ve also provided food for livestock affected by the flooding. Donate on their website.
The United Nations Children’s Fund works to provide emergency food and health care to families devastated by disasters. They’ve already provided over $1.3 million in funding to provinces affected by flooding. You can donate to their website.
If you know of any more organizations or nonprofits providing relief to the people of Pakistan, please drop us a line at [email protected] and we'll add to this list.
