(New York) – The worst floods to hit Pakistan since 1929 have left an estimated 13.8 million people affected as of 9 August, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Over 1,600 people have died and at least 290,000 dwellings are reported to have been destroyed or severely damaged, leaving at least 2 million persons homeless. In addition to a rising number of deaths, injuries and displacements, there is major damage to housing, roads, bridges, infrastructure and livelihoods.

The most urgent needs of the population are food, clean drinking water, emergency shelter, medical care and non-food-items. OCHA indicates that hundreds of millions of dollars will be required for life-saving humanitarian activities in the coming months. Unless assistance activities are rapidly scaled up to reach those who remain displaced and without immediate access to food and clean drinking water, additional loss of human lives and further suffering will occur.

The Global Compact encourages participants to contribute to humanitarian efforts in Pakistan. Private sector support in meeting the immediate needs of the vulnerable people affected by this disaster is crucial.

* Visit business.un.org to find out how your organization can contribute to humanitarian efforts in Pakistan.

Contact

Sean Cruse
UN Global Compact
gro.nunull@esurc