28/09/2022
Devastating record floods in Pakistan have displaced 33 million people, with the death toll reaching 1500. Hundreds of villages have been inundated, sweeping away acres of farmland and impacting vulnerable communities. It may be months before the water recedes, reminding all about the rising threat of climate crises that communities – especially vulnerable communities – are experiencing globally.
Flood relief activities included evacuating affected communities and airlifting supplies. Community response teams were mobilised, and displaced families were relocated to Jamatkhanas, schools, camps and host families.
A relief camp was set up by volunteers in the Ishkoman Puniyal region in Northern Pakistan after heavy floods in Ghizer washed away many homes. Hundreds of Ismaili CIVIC volunteers, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Boy Scouts, supported the villagers by providing relief to the affected areas at the camp.
Relief efforts were also carried out in Sindh, distributing food and other supplies. De-watering efforts continue in residential areas in Karachi, located in the Southern part of Pakistan and communities in interior Sindh.
“The spirit of volunteerism is high on the ground,” commented Gul Nayab Shah, one of many Ismaili CIVIC volunteers. “Despite the devastation, our volunteers have provided relief and support to the flood-affected communities. Elders were provided care while being shifted to the temporary shelters and relief camps established by the Government and AKDN. Everyone, including youth, Scouts, and Guides, came together as part of their civic responsibilities.”
The Ismaili Imamat has also announced a donation of US$ 10 million to support relief efforts following the severe flooding in Pakistan. Prince Rahim, Chair of AKDN’s climate committee said, “I am deeply concerned about the impact of the current floods in Pakistan, which have been intensified by the effects of climate change. These floods, and the many other weather events we are experiencing around the world, require us all—governments, businesses, communities, and individuals—to redouble our efforts to combat the climate crisis which threatens to engulf us. The institutions of the Ismaili Imamat have been mobilised to support the government in its relief and rehabilitation efforts.”
On 25 September 2022, in light of this year’s Global Ismaili CIVIC Day (GICD) theme, many volunteers will come together to combat the impact of climate change by engaging in activties to preserve, improve, and maintain our environment. Share your events and activities by tagging and using the official hashtag .
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