Huge need in the wake of the floods in Pakistan

“The situation in Pakistan is critical for more than six million people who are in need of food and clean water,” said State Secretary Ingrid Fiskaa.  

The floods in Pakistan constitute a natural disaster of huge dimensions. They have rolled across the country like a series of earthquakes. So far, nearly 900 000 homes have been destroyed. The crops and livelihoods of millions of people have been washed away. The need for reconstruction is enormous. 

“I urge everyone to support the NGOs’ fundraising campaigns. Organisations in Norway and Pakistan are playing an important role in raising funds for the flood victims. This money will help to save lives and alleviate suffering every day,” said Ms Fiskaa. 

The heaviest monsoon rains in 80 years have affected 20 million people from the north to the south of the country. The damage is huge, but the full extent of the devastation has not yet been ascertained. 

There is an immediate risk of waterborne diseases. Cases of cholera have been reported. The need for clean water and sanitation facilities is enormous. The death toll could increase rapidly if emergency relief does not arrive in time. 

Norway is providing more than NOK 100 million
Norway is providing more than NOK 100 million for the flood victims in Pakistan. The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) also includes money from Norway. Altogether the funds from Norway amount to NOK 115 million. 

Norway is channelling its funding through organisations that have long experience of humanitarian work and are familiar with conditions in the country. The UN is one of the most important channels as it ensures that efforts are well coordinated and well matched to the victims’ needs. 

How the Norwegian funds will be used
The following overview shows the organisations that will receive funds from Norway to help flood victims in Pakistan as of 17 August 2010. 

Organisation	Focus	Amount
The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)	Provides support for humanitarian efforts by various UN organisations.	USD 3,96 million
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)	Water and sanitation, nutrition, health, education and protection of children	USD 2,97 million
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)	Shelter, distribution of tents and plastic sheets, protection of vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and women.	USD 2,64  million
Norwegian Refugee Council	Distribution of tents and non-food items (NFIs).	USD 1,98 million
The Emergency Response Fund (ERF) for Pakistan, which is managed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs	Support for emergency relief  efforts on the basis of local needs assessments.	USD 1,46 million
The Norwegian Red Cross, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies	Distribution of food, water, sanitation facilities and emergency medical services. Deployment of Basic Health unit with three mobile health teams	USD 2,14 million
Norwegian Church Aid	Water and sanitation, distribution of NFIs.	USD 1,15 million
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)	Women’s reproductive health, hygiene and sanitation for pregnant women and children.	USD 824 000
United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD)	Distribution of water purification equipment, water tanks and tents from the depot.	USD 659 000
Rahma Islamic Relief Fund	Distribution of food and clean water, hygiene measures and establishment of safe areas for children to play.	USD 495 000
National Disaster Management Authority Pakistan	Efforts to strengthen the capacity of the Pakistani authorities to respond to the needs of flood victims.	USD 165 000
Remainder		USD 330 000
Total humanitarian assistance from Norway		USD 18,59 million