Pakistan floods

2010: Worst flooding in Pakistan's history

Torrential monsoon rains in July 2010 caused the worst flooding in Pakistan's history. Heavy rainfall, flash floods and swollen rivers devastated more than 70 of Pakistan's 122 districts and affected an estimated 20 million people.

Eight million people in Pakistan are aged 60 and over - more than 5% of the country's population. At least three million older people and people with disabilities were affected.

Since July 2010, HelpAge has been responding to the needs of older people affected by the disaster. We have distributed cold weather kits and food packages, provided eye care, health consultations, counselling, health education and medication, as well as set up older people's associations.

Abdul Wahid was left behind in his village as the flood waters rose. He did not eat for four days and survived by drinking dirty water. He also lost all his livestock. Photo: Nafeh bin Naeem/HelpAge International

2011: Millions affected again by new floods

However, the situation worsened just over a year later. In August 2011, more monsoon rains caused flash floods throughout Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan provinces, affecting five million people. Just under 500 people have been killed and around 800,000 houses have been destroyed.

Badin district in Sindh has been the worst affected area. Over one million people have been affected of which an estimated 70,000 are older people.

Reaching older people and their families

HelpAge and partners launched a relief operation to support vulnerable older people and their families in Sindh province in August 2011. We are addressing their most urgent needs, such as:

Food

We have distributed 2,000 food packs in Badin and Tando Muhammed Khan districts. The packs contain oil, salt, porridge, tea, rice and sugar amongst other things.
We have provided 1,000 packs of flour to a further 18 villages in Badin.

Water and sanitation

We have distributed 1,310 hygiene kits in Badin and Tando Muhammed Khan, which include towels, soap, combs, nail cutters, tooth paste and brushes, socks and torches.
We have given 2,000 jerry cans to a further 22 villages.

Shelter and other essential items

We have distributed 2,000 tarpaulin sheets and 1,000 packs of kitchen utensils.
We have provided ten water tanks in flood affected villages and internally displaced people's camps, as well as distributed 65 latrines.
Six villages now have 112 tents and 390 mosquito nets.

Health

883 people have now received primary eye care services. We have also identified 156 cases for cataracts surgery, distributed 166 eye glasses and provided medicine to 560 older people.
We have also distributed 95 wheelchairs, 150 walking sticks and 30 walkers to older people.

What next?

Over the next few months, with funding from the Isle of Man Government, we will continue to help older people and their families who have been affected by the flooding.

We will support 28,000 people with food for one month.
We will also provide 3,300 older people with sanitation, water and shelter by distributing personal hygiene kits, which include water cans, mobility aids and personal healthcare.