Daily Times

In Jhuddo, Sindh, 100 displaced families affected by devastating floods have found a new lease on life. The Canadian humanitarian organization, Human Concern International (HCI), which has been operating in Pakistan for over 40 years, has constructed solar-powered homes as part of its Flood Relief project. These homes are a lifeline for families who lost everything in the unprecedented 2022 floods that submerged one-third of the country.

The 2022 floods caused widespread destruction across Pakistan, affecting 33 million people and resulting in over 1,700 fatalities. Two million homes were destroyed, and critical infrastructure, including roads and schools, was left in ruins. The economic losses were estimated at over $30 billion, while agricultural lands were inundated, exacerbating food insecurity. In 2024, the country faced further devastation as heavy rains brought severe flooding to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Balochistan provinces. This disaster resulted in 245 deaths, 446 injuries, and the destruction of over 1,000 houses.

HCI’s response to these crises has been swift and multifaceted. In Sindh, the organization’s construction of solar-powered homes is helping families rebuild with dignity. A delegation of HCI visiting the site witnessed firsthand how after almost two years these homes are providing not just shelter but a path to recovery through sustainable energy solutions. Residents shared stories of resilience, with one mother describing how her home has given her family a sense of security and hope for the future. “Before receiving this house, we lived in makeshift tents along the roadside, constantly fearing every storm,” said Hadiyana Shah, a mother of five who lost her family’s mud home in the devastating 2022 floods. “Now, with a safe home and solar power, my children can attend school, and we can finally sleep peacefully. This house gave us back our lives.”

HCI’s Global Director of Programs, Iftikhar Shaikh Ahmed, emphasized the organization’s dedication to providing solutions that go beyond addressing immediate needs during crises, focusing instead on empowering communities to achieve sustainable living. “Our mission is not just to respond to disasters but to rebuild communities in a way that fosters long-term stability and resilience,” she said. “The solar-powered homes in Jhuddo exemplify the impact of sustainable solutions. We are committed to standing with the people of Pakistan as they rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”

In the immediate aftermath of the heavy rains this August, HCI launched several emergency relief projects across Pakistan. In the Khuzdar district of Balochistan, the organization provided food, water, and tents to 1,000 families affected by flooding. Secondary assessments revealed additional needs, such as access to healthcare and clean water, which are now being addressed through ongoing support. Similarly, following the 2019 earthquake in Azad Kashmir, HCI delivered emergency aid to 265 impacted families, including tents and floor mats to provide temporary shelter.

HCI’s impact in Pakistan goes beyond immediate relief efforts and the construction of 140 homes for disaster-affected families. Long-term sustainability is closely tied to access to clean water. HCI has installed five reverse osmosis water filtration systems in villages of up to 100 homes, built latrines in other communities, and constructed hand pumps reaching depths of 90 feet in the Thar Desert to provide water for villages without any nearby water sources.

As Pakistan faces the ongoing challenges of climate change and recurring natural disasters, humanitarian efforts highlight the vital need for preparedness and sustainable recovery solutions. Among many non-governmental organizations, HCI stands out for its over 40-year commitment to Pakistan, consistently mobilizing swiftly to deliver targeted support. Its efforts have saved lives, rebuilt communities, and provided hope to those who need it most.

With its focus on resilience and innovation, the organization is providing a lifeline to vulnerable populations and setting a benchmark for humanitarian aid in disaster-stricken regions.