Flood Response Update (September 10, 2010)

Report by Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER) www.piler.org.pk

Situation:

The devastation wreaked by the floods that started in late July 2010 in Pakistan, continue to unfold in Sindh. The number of people reported as having been directly affected by the floods has reached close to 21 million. The death toll has risen to 1,752 and over 1.8 million houses are now reported as either damaged or destroyed according to the National and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities. In Sindh alone, around 7 million people have been affected, of which 1.3 million people are in government relief camps.

According to a UN report, about 15% of the population hit by the floods are children under five (3,000,000); 8% are pregnant and lactating women (1,600,000) and at least 6 % are elderly and other vulnerable groups (1,200,000).

State’s Response:

The government’s much-criticized slow response to the crisis stems from weak administration as well as lack of resources to fund disaster-management. Out of $1,233million committed by international governments and bodies, only $347million has been received in terms of grants, soft loans and in-kind assistance. The government has a tiny share in the total commitments and received funds at $417million out of $1,233million. This reflects in government’s inadequate response to the crisis, while systemic failures compound the problem.

Camps have been set up all across the country. In Sindh, the provincial government has set up various relief camps in major cities including Sukkur, Larkana, Hyderabad, and Karachi. Conditions in the camp remain poor as the number of displaced persons moving to the camps rise. Food supply, clean drinking water, health, sanitation, education and management of assistance at the camp remain a problem. Due to the unhygienic conditions and consumption of polluted water, many people particularly women and children are falling sick of diarrhea (gastroenteritis) and malaria. Part of the problem goes back to the state’s inability to coordinate assistance and also to the donor bodies’ insufficient understanding and commitment for the relief efforts.

PILER’s Intervention:

As a part of its national responsibility, PILER has been actively participating in relief efforts following the devastating floods. The details of the concept and direction for assistance have been posted on the PILER’s website already. This brief is meant to update donors and interested parties on PILER’s interventions in the flood relief.

Currently, PILER is active in four relief camps, Gulshan-e-Maymaar, Karachi; Sabzi Mandi, Hyderabad; Shikarpur; and Thatta. The Organisation is focusing on clean drinking water, provision of food, health, education, and advocacy for efficiency in aid delivery and planning in rehabilitation.

Labour Complex Camp, Karachi

Keeping in view the dire need for safe drinking water in the Camp, PILER installed three 1,800 gallon plastic water tanks along with motors/pumps and three-stage water purifiers filters. This was a much-needed facility in the backdrop of the threat of the outbreak of water-borne diseases.

A medical clinic has been set up by the Pakistan Medical Association and PILER is providing all logistical and material support required for the camp. The clinic is making a meaningful contribution to address the health needs of Camp settlers with adequate supply of medicines, presence of senior expert doctors, separate units for major health problems such as eyes, and a professional medical setup complete with equipment for ready response to health issues.

A makeshift primary school for boys and girls of flood-affectees launched by PILER has been running for three weeks. 600 plus children in the age bracket of 6 -12 years have been registered and enrolled in grades 1 to 5. PILER has distributed textbooks, stationery and ensures provision of water supply for the children enrolled. A daily review meeting of the school team (10 teachers + 2 PILER staff members + school coordinator) takes place after the classes at the PILER Centre. The teachers have reported increased interest and better discipline among children. Eid gifts of shalwaar suits for the children were arranged and distributed by PILER on Sep 9. Occasionally, food supplies have been organized too, but lack of resources do not permit PILER to undertake the task on a regular basis.

PILER has launched a survey in Karachi and Hyderabad camps to assess the crisis and damage to livelihoods in flood-affected areas of Sindh. The survey should also provide direction for future rehabilitation of the flood-hit victims. A similar survey will be launched in Shikarpur too. The Survey will be followed by focused group discussion and consultations. A report will be drafted which shall be used for advocacy on re-settlement along planned lines with community participation.

Hyderabad

In Hyderabad, PILER is working in collaboration with the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) and providing food items and medicines. The Hyderabad Medical Camp jointly run by PILER and SRPO has completed three weeks (on September 5) and has provided medical treatment to 700 people; identified and supplied food to 300 pregnant women; facilitated hospitalization of over one dozen women; and assisted with registration of 500 people with the official registration process (for accessing compensation). PILER is currently working on preparing food supplement packages carrying multivitamins prescribed by the doctors as well as dry food items including milk and dates for these women. PILER is also working on upgrading the logistical arrangements at the medical clinic to ensure comfort of the doctors and security of the medical supplies and equipment.

A school will be set up after Eid for the displaced children at the Hyderabad Camp. Having a successful experience at the Karachi Camp, the PILER is in a better position to make a meaningful intervention in children’s education through proper organization and resource management.

Shikarpur

In Shikarpur, PILER is working through local officials of the Red Crescent (Paryal Mari- 03003138617) and providing water cans and food items for children.

Thatta

The Thatta camp at Makli is crowded and management remains an issue because of insufficient assistance. Due to a number of cultural and social biases as well as administrative weaknesses, the minority communities at the camp face discrimination and neglect in terms of provision of basic supplies. PILER has identified 500 members (over 50 families) of scheduled cast. They will be provided food supplies at the Thatta Camp for a month.

Advocacy Meetings

PILER plans to hold advocacy meetings on issues related to floods, including assistance and rehabilitation. One meeting has already taken place in Karachi and recommendations have been sent to the Sindh Government with PILER supporting partners in lobbying with the government for a more consultative rehabilitation plan.  Next such meeting is planned in Thatta after eid holidays.

PILER Bank Details

Bank/ Account Details for Fund Transfer

Account title: Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER)

Account No. 1087-0081-000818-04-2

Swift Code: BAHLPKKAXXX

Bank Name: Bank Al Habib Limited, Gulshan e Maymar, Karachi Branch.

Bank address: Bank Al Habib, Gulshan-e-Maymar Br.

Plot no. SB-10, Sector Z-5, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Karachi, Pakistan.

Tel No:    (92-21) 36832880-83 Fax: (92-21) 36832879

Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER) www.piler.org.pk

Contact Person: Zulfiqar Shah (00 92 300 2119637)/ Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it