The vulnerability that Pakistan has in terms of extreme weather events that are worsened by climate change has been exposed once again by the raging floods that have gripped huge portions of the country. Being a country that was already struggling with economic and social issues, the magnitude of the disaster has already exhausted the state’s resources, which indicates the necessity of the role non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play.
“NGOs are no longer a short-term solution but a part and parcel of Pakistan’s climate disaster response.”
Within these humanitarian organizations, both local and international, there is a new infusion of strength to the humanitarian response as first responders, filling gaps in critical responses in the delivery of aid and planning towards long-term recovery. Their mobility, strong relationships with the communities they serve, and their high level of skills have facilitated an immediate and exhaustive intervention, as well as targeting the most remote and needy groups.
The direct consequence of a flood is an anarchical time characterized by dire needs as far as rescue and life-saving are concerned. This is where such outfit organizations, such as Al-Khidmat Foundation, have proved highly effective. Al-Khidmat has a large network of volunteers and presence in most parts of the country, hence having such significant rapidity and efficiency in its operations. Their initiatives are usually among the first to be deployed in submerged areas with boats and rescue teams ready to take away stranded people and families.
In addition to this, their work also goes beyond the first response operations to start up temporary relief camps where necessary. Staple food items (such as flour, rice, lentils, and cooking oil) are provided in food packages that will keep affected families sustained over several weeks. This direct food and shelter is not just an act of charity but is a lifesaving operation, ruling out starvation and exposure, which, among others, are two most serious risks after a flood.
Al-Khidmat and other related organizations have set up mobile health care facilities and health camps that are put in place to fight water-borne diseases such as cholera and malaria that spread like wildfire in stagnant flood water. They reduce the gargantuan pressure on an already strained government healthcare system by providing medical check-ups, medication, and first aid. This bottom-to-top model, where relief turns into sustained aid, proves that NGOs can enlist trust and resources within the community, and bring aid in a manner that the centralized government agencies are not able to accomplish as frequently.
“Al-Khidmat’s volunteer network ensures rapid, lifesaving relief in flood-hit areas.”
Although the short-term response is very important, the long-term issue of the floods is so huge that it would need another type of expertise. It is in this area that agencies such as the Progressive Climate Foundation (PCF) are doing a great deal of good. In contrast to first response NGOs, PCF is not involved with direct humanitarian efforts to respond to a disaster, but with the causes of the disaster and preventive measures in the future. This is proven by their work as disaster relief has to change not only to provide temporary solutions, but also to make communities climate resilient and advocate.
The work of PCF is related to community empowerment and young people in order to address climate change. They carry out their work on the projects concerning sustainable agriculture, disaster-resistant infrastructure, and publicity campaigns. In the backdrop of recent floods, their activities include carrying out assessments to know the particular weaknesses in the climate of various regions and facilitating policies that combine flood prevention and environmental protection.
As an example, they may be engaged in projects aimed at the restoration of natural water routes, forest recovery, and water conservation methods that could mitigate the risk of floods. They aim at creating a culture where not only is the society prepared to face the effects of disasters, but also takes steps to avoid them altogether. Through interactions with local communities, universities, and government agencies, PCF is closing the gap between scientific knowledge of climate change and community, grassroots activity. Their work points out a dramatic change in the duty of NGOs, where they merely respond but now become the creators of long-term resilience and sustainable growth.
In addition to the two different examples, which are given, the wider web of NGOs in Pakistan offers a complex response that encompasses all the areas of the disaster. Large numbers of NGOs are involved in livelihood restoration: offering either small-scale loaning or livestock to farmers who have lost everything, so that they can restart their lives. Other people are putting their energy into education, and they establish temporary learning centers where children whose schools are destroyed are not left behind in their academic work.
“Progressive Climate Foundation transforms disaster relief into resilience through climate advocacy and sustainable practices.”
Nevertheless, others are committed to providing psychological assistance and counseling and trauma care to individuals who have gone through the massive mental and emotional impact of the loss of their homes and loved ones. This is one of the strengths of the NGO sector as it is diversifying its roles.
They have the potential to realize certain needs that might be omitted by the large-scale government activities and deliver particular, appreciative help. Their projects have a tendency to be a combination of local expertise and global best practices, which permit inventive approaches to the peculiarities of Pakistani culture and territory. These groups together have a monumental effect that provides hope to millions of people as well as a means to recovery.
Nevertheless, the huge input of the NGOs does not come without serious issues. One of the challenges they will always face is funding because these organizations do their work based on donations and grants. The enemy has logistical challenges, and poor roads and communication lines might mean that it is hard to access some parts of the country. Additionally, the lack of cohesive coordination among various NGOs as well as among NGOs and governmental authorities sometimes causes some sectors to have redundancies in their processes, whereas others are ignored.
“Civil society complements government action with a flexible, human approach to recovery and resilience.”
In spite of this, the NGO community in Pakistan has proven to have enough resilience as well as commitment that is both inspiring and indispensable. They are no longer a short-term solution in case of emergency, but they are a part and parcel of the nation, trying to make do with the prevailing reality of climate change disasters. Their work is an effective illustration of how civil society complements and complements government action to offer a human and flexible approach, important to its recovery and the creation of a more robust future.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
