Torrential monsoon rains have triggered the most severe flooding in Pakistan’s recent history. More than a thousand people have already perished, and thirty-three million more (including ten million children) have had to leave their homes with little or no belongings. It could take three months or more for the water to recede, leaving people in desperate need of health services, shelter, food, clean water, toilet facilities, livelihood support, and medical support. Even after surviving the initial flooding, those in need have now been exposed to a wide range of new flood-related risks and hazards, including damaged buildings and drowning in floodwaters, landslides, and waterborne diseases. Acute watery diarrhoea, dengue fever, malaria, and chikungunya are rife as people are forced to drink contaminated flood water, and babies and young children are especially affected.
The best way to help the Pakistan flooding crisis is to donate money. While care packages and other forms of donations can be fantastic in many cases, when it comes to immediate life and death situations, money enables charities to get the right care to the right people- fast. Donating items can take time and isn’t always the most practical in cases like this. Items can be held up due to differences in legal restrictions in different countries. Boxes can be held for long periods by customs for a variety of reasons and not all items shipped are always exactly what is needed at that moment. If you want to help now in the best possible way, then a cash donation is the way to go.
Donations are spent on the most critical items to keep as many people as safe as possible. This includes food and water, shelter, medical aid, and lifesaving devices such as life jackets. Donations can also cover educational aid, temporary learning centres and support the protection and psychosocial well-being of children affected by these devastating floods.