Pakistan: Flood relief efforts stepped up

UNHCR and our partners are stepping up inter-agency relief efforts in the flood-affected refugee-hosting areas of Pakistan as the waters start to recede. By the end of this week, we expect to have transported more than 250 tonnes of emergency supplies from our stocks in Peshawar to Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province.

Aid distribution started over a week ago (July 2) in Balochistan's Chagai district, where heavy rains destroyed houses and compound walls in Chagai, Posti and Lejay Karez refugee camps. Tents, plastic sheets, sleeping mats, quilts and kitchen sets were provided to the affected Afghans and their Pakistani host community. As the water subsides, life is slowly returning to normal in the camps and families are starting to rebuild their mud houses. But, access to these areas is still difficult as the roads have been washed away. In neighbouring Noushki district, UNHCR's partner, the American Refugee Committee, has completed aid distribution.

In northern Balochistan, the water supply was affected in Malgagai and Ghazgai Minara camps, but is currently being repaired by the camp authorities.

In all, 1,600 tents, over 3,000 plastic sheets, 5,000 sleeping mats and 3,000 jerry cans are being distributed in Balochistan, benefiting Afghans and Pakistanis alike. More shelter and household items will be distributed through Islamic Relief, Mercy Corps and the local authorities to mixed communities in Dhadar, Bolan and Kharan districts.

Heavy rains have also hit Pakistan's North West Frontier Province. Three refugee camps near a river have been flooded. UNHCR has provided sand bags to Khazana, Hajizai and Azakheil camps to strengthen their protective walls against future flooding.

Closer to the Afghan border, the refugee-hosting town of Landi Kotal in Khyber agency has also suffered heavy damage to houses and key infrastructure. We are giving plastic sheets, blankets, jerry cans and kitchen sets to an Afghan NGO for distribution to 100 affected families.

As part of shelter and camp management clusters under the joint UN response, UNHCR is requesting over US$622,000 through the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to replenish and procure shelter items such as plastic sheets, sleeping mats and blankets for 150,000 flood victims especially in Pakistan's refugee-hosting areas.