Natural disasters, particularly floods and earthquakes, have had a terrible influence on Pakistan's economy and people's lives over the years. To support those in need, the Alkhidmat Foundation has been at the forefront of disaster relief and management in Pakistan.

Major Disasters in Pakistan:

1. Floods of 2022: The floods devastated over 33 million people, killing over 1,700 and injuring approximately 13,000 others. The World Bank estimates that damages and losses totaled roughly $30 billion. Thousands of villages have been flooded, with over 2 million homes destroyed and essential infrastructure badly damaged.
2. Cholistan Drought 2022: The worst drought in Pakistan's isolated desert regions of Cholistan occurred in mid-2022, due to scorching temperatures and scant rainfall. Thousands of families in the Cholistan region experienced severe water scarcity and food shortages for themselves and their livestock.
3. Earthquake of 2023: A 6.5-magnitude earthquake devastated Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan, wreaking havoc across the region. The earthquake in Afghanistan destroyed over 665 homes. In Pakistan, it caused extensive damage, including fallen buildings, landslides, and power outages.
4. Floods of 2023 & 2024: Several parts of Balochistan were badly affected, resulting in over 1,100 deaths and affecting 33 million people, many of whom lost access to safe housing, education, and healthcare. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, flooding and landslides killed numerous people. The 2024 floods, which began in late February, also affected Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Economic Losses: A Dire Outlook

The economic impact of these tragedies is dreadful. Large areas of agriculture were devastated by the floods, damaging vital crops like wheat, rice, and cotton that were needed for domestic and export markets. This resulted in acute food shortages and inflation. The industrial sector also suffered supply chain interruptions and infrastructural damage, which reduced productivity and economic production. Thousands of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), critical to local economies and employment, were affected. 

Human Losses: Beyond Numbers

Floods in Pakistan have killed a large number of people, displacing millions and forcing them to live in improvised camps with inadequate services. Women, children, and the elderly confront particularly difficult circumstances. Floods have had a substantial health impact, with WHO reporting outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery, putting Pakistan's healthcare system under duress. Education suffers as schools are damaged or destroyed, disrupting learning, raising dropout rates, and negatively affecting children's mental health. 

Alkhidmat Foundation's Role in Disaster Response 

Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan offers a comprehensive range of essential services to address the urgent needs of communities affected by disasters and crises.

Disaster Management Services:

Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan provides essential services to address urgent needs during disasters. They deploy resources, train teams, and volunteers with strategic coordination, operate 39 response centers, conduct 122 training programs, and utilize 67,365 volunteers.

• Shelter Homes: Alkhidmat's shelter homes offer safe havens during emergencies like earthquakes and floods, providing families uprooted by disasters with safety, necessities, and secure environments.
• Emergency Relief: They distribute ration packages containing staples such as rice, wheat, cooking oil, and lentils. During the Cholistan drought, Alkhidmat provided clean water, medical aid, ration packages, and set up three medical-cum-base camps.
• Volunteers: With 67,365 volunteers, Alkhidmat engages in rescue operations, shelter construction, food distribution, and medical care, demonstrating their commitment to alleviating suffering and building community resilience.
• Rescue Training: Regular training programs are conducted to improve team readiness for managing various disaster scenarios and emergencies.
• Rehabilitation Efforts: Beyond immediate relief, the Alkhidmat Foundation focuses on the rehabilitation of affected communities. This includes rebuilding homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, ensuring a return to normalcy for disaster-hit areas.
• Community Awareness Programs: Alkhidmat also conducts awareness programs on disaster preparedness and risk reduction, educating communities on how to protect themselves and reduce their vulnerability to future hazards.

Conclusion

Alkhidmat Foundation plays a vital role in Pakistan's disaster response through its comprehensive services. Their dedicated efforts are essential in mitigating the impact of disasters and aiding affected communities. By addressing immediate needs and fostering resilience, Alkhidmat continues to be a cornerstone of humanitarian support in Pakistan.