Americares Launches Pakistan Flood Response

Stamford, Conn. – Sept. 2, 2022 – Americares is launching a response to the deadly flooding in Pakistan that has inundated over one third of the country. More than 1,200 people have been killed, including more than 400 children, and more than 1.1 million homes have been damaged or destroyed, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The waters have also destroyed roads and bridges, further complicating relief efforts. The World Health Organization has classified the flooding a level 3 emergency—its highest level.  

In response, Americares is preparing to deliver urgently needed medicines and medical supplies to support volunteer medical teams operated by Sabawoon Welfare Foundation, a partner organization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KPK). Americares is also planning to support the rehabilitation of 20 health facilities in the hardest hit communities in KPK Province, install hand pumps in 12 communities that have lost access to clean water and deliver cooking sets, mats and tents to 500 families affected by the floods.  

“The flooding across Pakistan has devastated communities and damaged nearly 900 health care facilities, putting the health of millions at risk,” said Americares Director of Complex Emergencies Adam Keehn. “We expect to see an increase in water-borne diseases as well as COVID-19 infections as families are forced to evacuate and stay in temporary shelters. We are going to be working over the coming weeks and months to meet the health needs of survivors during this unprecedented crisis.” 

Americares has been providing assistance to Pakistan since 1990, delivering medicine, medical supplies and relief items in response to emergencies. 

Americares has professional relief workers ready to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice and stocks emergency medicine and supplies in warehouses in the U.S., Europe and India that can be delivered quickly in times of crisis. Americares helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; increases accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability of medicine and medical supplies; improves and expands clinical services; and prevents disease and promotes good health.  

The organization responds to more than 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year, establishes long-term recovery projects and brings preparedness programs to communities vulnerable to disasters. Americares has provided more than $20 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States, since it was founded more than 40 years ago. 

Donations to Americares Worldwide Disaster Relief Fund will support its response to the flooding in Pakistan. To donate, go to www.americares.org/worldwide