Background

The 2022 floods have shown Pakistan’s high vulnerability to climate change despite contributing less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This disaster has demonstrated what this vulnerability looks like for the people of the country. One-third of the country was submerged for over 6 months, and 33 million people were affected.

Home to 50.4 million people, Sindh is vital to Pakistan’s economy. The province generates 27% of Pakistan’s GDP.  It also contributes significantly to Pakistan’s food security:  An important producer of livestock products, Sindh’s livestock sector contributes 62% of national agriculture GDP. The agriculture sector accounts for 70% of employment in Sindh and is a critical source of income and livelihood.

Province of Sindh’s districts Tando Mohammad khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Dadu, Naushahro Feroze, Qambar-Shahdadkot, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Shikarpur and Kashmore, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Mitiari, Thatta, and Sujawal were severely affected where people are shifted to nearby camps established by district

The Assessment,Identification & Enlisting of Victim Families

After assessing the situation and knowing the vulnerability of the flood victims, a formal request for financial assistance for relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims was submitted to CAPC. YDA decided to implement the small fund given for relief in Tando Allahyar& Hyderabad.

YDA’s local volunteer team i.e Mrs Samina Anwar,Mrs Riffat Benedict, Mrs Shaila Arshad, Mr. Vero, Mr Beigal, Mr Arshad and Mr Amarshiin Sindh visited the target communitiesalong the banks of river Indus in Hyderabadand in villages Jando Mari, Haji Khan Mari, Noor Nabi Helepotto toidentify and enlist the flood affected families during September 2023. Most of the men belonged to the daily wage labourer class and women either housewives (unpaid caregivers) or house maids with hardly any sustenance.

Mrs. Samina Anwar and Mrs Riffat Benedict also conducted coordination meetings with local church leadership; the Bishop Samson Shukardin, Parish priests St. Joseph Church Hyderabad, Tando Allahar and the missionary nunsworking in the area for collaborated activity.

Keeping in view the increased vulnerability of the flood victim families due to the current highest inflation, it was observed that the poor families were facing severe food scarcity and direly required lifesaving nutrition assistance. The visited area also faces inadequate health services, water and sanitation, schooling, limited access to electricity and employment. However with the limited funds available, YDA focused to address ‘provision of food security, through food aid’ distribution to the victims of flood.

List of the food items

S.#	Items	Quantity
1	Wheat Flour	10kg
2	Cooking Oil	3litre
3	Sugar	2kg
4	Rice	2kg
5	Lentil – Chana	1kg
6	Lentil – Moong	1kg
7	Spices	¼ kg
8	Salt	1 packet
9	Tea	¼ kg

The distribution was organized at two venues; on Friday, 20^th October 2023 at St. Joseph church, Latifabad&on Saturday, 21^st October at a local church in Tando Allahyar.

St. Joseph Church, Hyderabad

• On October 20, 2023, at 7:30 PM, distribution program was held at Saint Joseph Colony, Unit No. 10
• 50 flood affected families received the food hampers.
• Fr. Jameel Albert, parish priest, Mr Soba Bhatti advocate high court and other participated.
• The program began with a prayer by Fr. Jameel Albert, followed by words of blessings. He   also appreciated YDA’s efforts, prayed for the more resources to continue such programs. He said the floods have forced most people to start their lives from a scratch and the recent situation of the country has increased their poverty and plight.
• Mrs Riffat Benedict, a senior teacher introduced YDA’s work and emergency response during floods 2022. Mrs Shaila Arshad collected their signatures and thumbprints. Mrs. Samina Anwar managed distribution to the beneficiaries and thanked everyone for helping in the distribution.

Local Church, Tando Allahyar

• On Saturday, 21^st Octoberat 8:30 AM, distribution program was held at a local church in Tando Allahyar
• 100 most deserving families were provided food hampers.
• The local priestFr. Zeeku led the thanksgiving prayer and blessings.
• Team leader, Mrs Riffat Benedict briefed them about Youth Development Association and its work for the marginalised communities.
• The food packages were respectfully distributed by the volunteer team along with Sr. Emmer Manning, Fr. Zeeku and community leaders.
• Sr Emmer also thanked YDA leadership for reaching out to the families in acute need of food. She said that food on the table is the biggest problem in such struggling families and YDA has provided lifesaving food assistance in this challenging time. She further appreciated the YDA volunteer team for very well organised distribution program.

Beneficiary Feedback

We are grateful to YDA for distributing rations; it was needed very much because of the very high food prices. At least for few days I am not worried about having food in my children’s plate.The inflation is killing poor families. Please come back with this program in the future.Mumtaz Razzaq

I thank God who sent this help for poor people. Life has become so hard since the floods. I am happy and thankful to you for providing me food. I request YDA to establish some institutes for young girls & boys here so they can acquire skills and have decent income.Fazeelat Altaf

The floods destroyed everything we had and now this food price hike, we are facing food scarcity. Thanks To God who provided this food and thank you YDA. I request blankets or warm clothing for the upcoming winter.Vani Bai, Tando Allahyar