Relief & Rehabilitation for Pakistan Flood Victims

In 2022, Pakistan experienced its worst flooding in history, leading to widespread devastation across major areas of the country. The catastrophic event resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, the displacement of millions, and the destruction of crops, livestock, and infrastructure. In response, Al-Mustafa Welfare Society mobilized extensive food and relief services, providing crucial assistance to approximately 2 million flood victims with the support of our generous donors and volunteers.

Strategy:

Our relief strategy was structured in three phases:

1. Immediate Response: Rescue operations and distribution of ready-to-eat food and essential items.
2. Intermediate Support: Provision of temporary shelters, medical care, and food packages.
3. Long-term Rehabilitation: Assistance with rebuilding homes and livelihoods.

Food Distribution

The food distribution initiative undertaken by Al-Mustafa Welfare Society was one of the cornerstone efforts in providing immediate relief to the flood victims of Pakistan. This section delves deeper into our food distribution campaign's processes, logistics, and impact.

Distribution Logistics

Food distribution was organized in collaboration with local authorities and community leaders to ensure efficient delivery to the most affected areas. Key activities included:

• Setting up distribution points at accessible locations.
• Coordinating with volunteers for the packaging and distribution of food supplies.
• Utilizing transportation resources for reaching remote areas.

Food Packages

Each food package was designed to meet the nutritional needs of a family of five for one month. The contents included:

• Staples: Rice, flour, and pulses (lentils, beans).
• Cooking Essentials: Cooking oil, sugar, salt, and spices.
• Beverages/Milk: Dry milk, and tea
• Supplements: High-energy biscuits and nutritional supplements for children and the elderly.

Beneficiaries

• Total Beneficiaries: Approximately 2 million individuals.
• Number of Food Packages Distributed: More Than 100,000 packages.
• Geographical Coverage: Extensive reach across the provinces of Sindh, Balochistan, and some areas of Punjab, with special focus on the most severely affected districts

Challenges Faced

Logistics

• Accessibility issues due to submerged roads and damaged infrastructure.
• Coordination difficulties in remote and heavily impacted areas.

Resource Constraints

• Limited availability of funds and supplies.
• High demand for aid exceeding the initial supply capacity.

Health and Safety

• Risk of disease outbreaks in crowded relief camps.
• Ensuring the safety of volunteers and aid workers in hazardous conditions.

Planning and Coordination

Assessment:

• Conducted rapid assessments in collaboration with local authorities and community leaders to identify the most affected areas and the urgent needs of the population.

Distribution Strategy:

• Prioritized regions based on the severity of impact and the number of displaced individuals.
• Established a centralized coordination hub to manage the logistics and distribution of food supplies.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Real-Time Monitoring:

• Deployed field officers to oversee the distribution process and address any issues on the ground.
• Utilized digital tools for real-time tracking of food package deliveries and beneficiary feedback.

Impact Assessment:

• Conducted surveys and feedback sessions with beneficiaries to evaluate the effectiveness of the distribution.
• Adjusted strategies based on feedback to improve the efficiency and reach of subsequent distributions.

Conclusion

The food distribution campaign by Al-Mustafa Welfare Society played a crucial role in the immediate relief efforts for flood victims in Pakistan. Through meticulous planning, effective coordination, and dedicated execution, we were able to provide sustenance and hope to millions of affected individuals during one of the most challenging times in the nation's history.

In 2022, devastating floods submerged one-third of the dry land of Pakistan, leaving many communities in disarray. Al-Mustafa Welfare Society played a crucial role in providing rescue and rehabilitation assistance to the 1.7 million affected individuals with the help of GlobalGiving and our local and international donors. In the rehabilitation phase, Al-Mustafa constructed 250 bamboo and brick houses for victim families across different areas, offering them new hope and shelter in the aftermath of the disaster. Following is the story of Mr Abdul Hadi's family,  (one of the 250 families whom Al-Mustafa helped in building their homes).

Note: the actual name of the beneficiary has been changed to protect the privacy of the family. 

"Abdul Hadi" lived in a distant but serene village of  District Dado, Sindh, where he and his family built their lives around farming and community. When the floods struck, their homes and livestock suffered immense losses, and governmental aid was nowhere in sight. In such horrific times, Al-Mustafa's team came to their aid, providing essential support and constructing a new home for the family. The compassionate gesture from Al-Mustafa not only offered practical assistance but also symbolized a beacon of hope in a landscape where help was scarce. The "Abdul Hadi" family expresses deep gratitude for the altruistic intervention of Al-Mustafa, acknowledging that it was through their benevolence that they found solace and began the journey to recovery.

"When the disaster struck, the angry flood water surpassed everywhere. Our humble abodes and livestock endured the brunt of the calamity. Despite the widespread affliction, no help came from either local authorities or governmental provisions.

In our darkest hour, the compassionate souls of Al-Mustafa extended a gracious hand to us. Not only did they offer much-needed aid, but they also facilitated the construction of a new home for my family and me. Their unwavering support proved to be a beacon of hope, particularly in a distant village devoid of assistance. While there are still those who are in desperate need of aid. "