The UN launched a flash appeal on 18 July for US$ 38 million to assist hundreds of thousands of victims of Cyclone Yemyin, which ravaged Pakistan’s Balochistan and Sindh provinces in late June. Access to safe drinking water has proven a key challenge for survivors of Cyclone Yemyin.

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CERF allocates US$ 4.4 million for flood assistance in South Pakistan

In late June, Cyclone Yemyin devastated the southern Pakistan districts of Balochistan and Sindh with heavy rains and flooding.  Approximately 2.5 million people have been affected, including some 377,000 who are now homeless and living in relief camps or spontaneous settlements.  The displaced are in urgent need of shelter materials, as well as medicines, safe water, and sanitation.  Increasing rates of illness have also been reported, requiring that urgent measures be taken to prevent epidemic outbreaks.  CERF has allocated US$ 4.4 million to seven UN agencies to provide assistance in the critical areas of shelter, health, water and sanitation, and restoration of livelihoods.  Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes reports that while flood waters are receding, the monsoon season is expected to bring further heavy rain over the next few months, indicating a need to both respond to the immediate crisis and mitigate future flooding.

In addition to CERF’s rapid response funding, the UN has launched a US$ 38 million flash appeal to cover humanitarian needs and early recovery activities in the affected areas for the next three months.

Rain water still floods villages and streets in Balochistan [Photo: Kamila Hyat/IRIN]

CERF funds will support the following activities:

Shelter: UNHCR will distribute blankets, sleeping mats, plastic sheeting, and tents to the displaced.  IOM will also procure and distribute potable water, kitchen sets, jerry cans, and personal hygiene kits to camps and in makeshift settlements.

Health: WHO will provide medicine and vaccines, as well as a surveillance system to monitor and respond to disease outbreaks. UNFPA will also establish mobile service units to assist flood-affected newborns and their mothers.

Water and sanitation:  UNICEF will distribute safe drinking water, sanitation, hygiene kits, and educational materials.

Agricultural assistance: FAO will provide replacement seed and extension services to farmers to ensure the prompt resumption of agricultural activities in the affected areas.

Logistics: WFP will establish logistical hubs, warehouses, and transport services including airlifts to support humanitarian operations.

At the end of August 2007, CERF allocated an additional grant IOM to support the government led response to the Baluchistan and Sindh floods through the National Disaster Management Authority/World Food Programme (NDMA/WFP)-led Logistics Cluster. Logistical hubs will be established in NDMA prioritized districts in order to assess, distribute and monitor food and non-food assistance that is provided to affected areas. These hubs provide a logistical surge capacity and ensure that WFP road transportation networks are used effectively, in the sense that relief goods reach correct beneficiaries.

[Last Update: 29 August 2007]

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