As Pakistanis reel under the shock of the aftermaths of heavy and unprecedented rains, floods, and large-scale devastation, many are wondering how we can help. Whilst there are country-wide donation drives set up to assist in transporting essential material, relief goods, medication, and physical support in hard-to-reach areas, it is overwhelming for the average Pakistani to know where or how to help. A feeling of helplessness overcomes us as we struggle to wrap our minds over the magnitude of destruction that we know, cannot be fixed with a mere donation, material goods, or even providing shelter.
These are, but short-term efforts in a journey that will entail rebuilding livelihoods, homes, and possibly, lives.
But it is imperative to start somewhere and hence, we give you ideas on where we can make a difference. What to do and possibly, what NOT to do in our very sincere efforts to help out. Remember, every small or big deed adds up and our advice is to begin from home.
1. Do Help Domestic Help & People You Know Are Affected In the Community
If you know someone or a family in the afflicted areas or have domestic help whose family or homes are based in flood-affected areas, that is where to begin. These are stories you can get hold of directly, engage in communication, and find out what they need, immediate and long term. It could be helping to build their homes or workplace in the long run, once flood waters recede, or transporting goods or sending cash donations that can help them at present. You can also start a fundraising drive with friends and family to help out those you know. Start by asking questions with a perspective to help out those you know.
2. Do Research The Organization And/Or Individual effort You Contribute To
Make a well-informed decision. There are countless organizations and individuals who are pitching in to drive relief efforts. We give you 5 curated organizations that are actively working towards flood relief and assistance of communities who are in flood-hit areas.
3. Don’t Duplicate Efforts. Do Your Due Diligence & Don’t Let Your Impulsiveness Get The Better Of You
Sometimes, we tend to get impulsive and in our emotions and urge to help, end up making decisions that will not be wrong but could be better if supported by the correct research.
As we turn to influencers who are using their voice to drive relief efforts, do listen to the voice of reason. Shehzad Roy highlights the perils of sending aid in areas where there might already be a surplus, as opposed to where there is not enough!
Hence, don’t let your emotions make you act impulsively, do what is right, but invest in research so your actions not only create the impact that will make a difference but also add value to relief efforts
You can also refer to an effort called Code For Pakistan that highlights relief efforts and shelters through Flood Light. This appears in the form of a map that depicts and earmarks relief efforts and shelter areas. It will help spread information and create awareness for people on where to go, where can they get help, and how to get there. The information can be used to communicate with those who need to get to safe areas or drive relief efforts.
Again, this research will help prevent duplication of efforts.
Posts – Flood Light – Flood Light (ushahidi.io)
Note on Flood Light:
Crowdsourcing the flood-related data from the August 2022 floods in Pakistan. Important note on Fundraisers: The following information is publicly available data gathered on the Floodlight platform. It is your own responsibility to verify the authenticity of these resources before donating your funds.
Important note on Shelters:
The ‘capacity’ of Shelters are only rough estimations. Kindly check with the respective contact persons for accurate numbers
4. Don’t Disregard Indirect Contributions – They Too Can Make A Difference
Multiple brands donate their sales revenue to flood relief. From makeup and clothing brands to jewellery, many labels are setting aside a percentage of their sales to assist flood affectees. When making a purchase, ask at the counter, or better still, do your research and hit the stores that have announced a drive. Your spending can also help boost contributions funds by adding to their donation drive. Pick the brand or drive of your choice.
5. Don’t Feel You Can’t Help If You Live Overseas
Lastly, many overseas Pakistanis are not sure where or how they can donate and how to make a meaningful difference. Many Pakistani influencers are partnering with organizations that are helping in flood relief efforts. Connect with the influencer, ask the questions you need to ask, and pick the one that connects most with you.
Alternatively, Pakistanis can also contact Global Organizations To Donate and do their part. These Organizations, e.g, World Food Program (under the UN) and International Red Cross have been providing expert relief efforts presently as well as over the years, including in the 2010 floods and previously, the 2005-2006 earthquake relief efforts. Hence, their knowledge base and infrastructure in the area should be well sourced.
Pakistan Emergency Appeal | World Food Programme (wfp.org)
Appeal for funds for Pakistan relief – Swiss Solidarity (swiss-solidarity.org)