Pakistan floods emergency: Lessons from a continuing crisis

The floods that began in August 2011 resulted in one of the most destructive disasters that Pakistan has experienced. Many thousands of lives have been saved by the efforts of Pakistani officials, aid workers and affected communities, and vital aid has reached millions of people. But the crisis is far from over. More than 2.5 million men, women and children lack basic necessities such as adequate food and durable shelter. This joint-agency paper argues that greater political commitment and resources are necessary to tackle the social and economic injustices that leave vulnerable groups such as women, children and elderly and disabled people at particular risk from hazards such as floods and earthquakes. And the international aid community should provide timely and adequate funding and technical support to Pakistan’s efforts.