ISLAMABAD: The British High Commission has been at the forefront to provide relief to the people affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan’s North Western Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The High Commission in a press release on Tuesday said that it is amongst the earliest organisations to provide relief interventions, through their partners, Concern Worldwide and the Agha Khan Foundation.
It noted that between 29 July and August 3, Chitral suffered massive damages from torrential rains, flash floods and glacial outbursts. “14 drinking water supply schemes, 15 jeep-able bridges, 55 irrigation channels, 9 link roads, 3 school buildings, protection walls (4,000 feet), and 20 local shops have been fully/partially damaged,” it said.
The British High Commission said it used its existing presence in Chitral to respond to immediate needs through its partners, Concern Worldwide and the Agha Khan Foundation. “They are supporting emergency relief and restoration of infrastructure and livelihoods,” the High Commission said.
It added that so far, the UK has supplied essential items like kitchen sets, water storage containers, and hygiene kits to around 300 families. It said the partners continue to work on the immediate restoration of damaged drinking water systems, debris removal to re-enable access and livelihoods and the restoration of essential irrigation channels. “UK support is expected to benefit over 20,000 people in Chitral,” said the press release.
It said the UK is also considering long-term recovery plans for affected areas, in close coordination with government counterparts and humanitarian partners.
Chargé d’Affaires of the British High Commission, Andrew Dalgleish said: ‘The recent floods in Chitral are devastating. Lives and livelihoods have been destroyed. The UK is here to support Pakistan. These floods are a stark reminder that there is much more to be done to improve Pakistan’s climate resilience.’
He said floods have already led to 141 deaths, 266 injuries and damage to over 1,000 houses in Pakistan this year. The diplomat said climate change is a priority for the UK Government.
After devastating flash floods in Chitral, the UK is providing essential relief through its partners on the ground, restoring damaged drinking water systems, irrigation channels, and providing essential supplies. pic.twitter.com/bJC70u7G4I
— UK in Pakistan 🇬🇧🇵🇰 (@ukinpakistan) August 6, 2024
He noted during the devastating floods of 2022, the UK helped over 2.3 million people, dedicating a total of £39 million in UK aid. “The British public mobilised and raised £41.5m as part of the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal. Support included emergency cash assistance, shelter kits, nutritional support, learning kits and infrastructure repair,” said Dalgleish.
He said the UK’s focus is on improving Pakistan’s climate resilience long-term, rather than purely responding to disasters. He went on to say the UK has already helped 1.5 million people improve their resilience to extreme climate events, and aims to support a further 3 million people in the next 4-5 years.
