Taheeni Thammannagoda, who is in charge of managing EU humanitarian programs in Pakistan, stated on Tuesday that the EU would donate €350,000 to help families who have been severely affected by flooding, mainly in Balochistan.
According to a news release, the help would concentrate on meeting the urgent needs of people most impacted in parts of Jhal Magsi and Lasbella’s worst-hit districts. Additionally, it would help the International Rescue Committee provide desperately needed aid.
Read more: Unprecedented floods in Pakistan
Floods have wreaked havoc across Pakistan
“The devastating floods have left a trail of destruction in Pakistan, causing many to suffer the loss of their homes, livelihoods and belongings,” Thammannagoda said. “The EU funding will help get vital assistance to the most vulnerable people to support them during this hard time.”
The European Commission’s European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), through its Small Scale Response mechanism, is reportedly providing the EU funding, totaling close to Rs76 million.
The assistance provided to flood-affected families includes cash transfers to help them meet their immediate needs, primary healthcare services with a focus on water-borne and contagious infections, which are frequent after a flood, as well as nutrition support.
Additionally, the initiative would offer psychological help to vulnerable populations like mothers, young girls, and children.
Read more: How flash floods have affected the people of Balochistan
Over 100 areas in Pakistan have experienced flash floods since July due to above-average monsoon rainfall, which have killed more than 600 people, forced 23,000 others to flee their homes, and affected about 1 million people nationwide. A million acres of crops, multiple roads, and more than 70,000 homes have also been affected by the flooding.
A global mechanism known as ECHO’s Small Scale Response Fund enables the continental bloc to quickly provide money of up to €500,000 for humanitarian help in nations hit by natural and man-made disasters.