The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recently reported that 83% of last year’s flood response plan in Pakistan has been funded, amounting to $583 million against a requirement of $816 million. While acknowledging significant progress in humanitarian operations, the OCHA emphasised the need for efficient, inclusive and purposeful coordination within national sectors to enhance implementation.
Covering 34 prioritised districts, the plan successfully assisted 7.9 million out of the targeted 9.5 million individuals. While achieving this milestone, a gap of 1.6 million indicates that a substantial portion of the affected population still requires assistance. The challenges now include limited access to clean water, healthcare services, heightened food insecurity and malnutrition for 10.5 million people. Addressing this requires not only financial resources but also strategic and coordinated interventions. That 1.3 million people still remains temporarily displaced raises questions about the adequacy of the response in providing durable solutions. The concentration of displaced individuals in the hardest-hit districts of Sindh indicates specific regional challenges that need tailored attention. The call for urgent investment in long-term recovery efforts, particularly in climate-resilient infrastructure, is imperative to ensure efficient implementation and bring about meaningful change. Enhancing flood response plans necessitates a comprehensive strategy that intertwines financial prudence, strategic coordination and community-centric approaches. The effective utilisation of funds in Pakistan’s flood response plan should be a continuous journey of improvement. Regular evaluations and adaptive strategies should be embedded in the process, enabling a dynamic response that evolves with the changing needs on the ground.
As we address the immediate needs of affected populations, let us not lose sight of the broader vision — a Pakistan that not only rebounds from the current crisis but emerges stronger and more prepared in the face of future challenges.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2023.
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