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PESHAWAR, Nov 20 (APP):United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called for urgent, climate-resilient recovery measures in Pakistan as the country faces mounting rehabilitation needs following this year’s monsoon floods, which affected 6.9 million people, destroyed more than 229,000 homes, and damaged vast tracts of agricultural land.
In August, Buner valley experienced one of the most devastating cloudbursts in its history, receiving over 150 mm of rainfall within an hour. The sudden torrents swept through Bishonai Kalay and Qadir Nagar, demolishing homes and causing more than 200 fatalities.
UNDP mobilized an immediate response in some of the hardest-hit districts. A ceremony to this effect was held in Buner to distribute agricultural toolkits to farmers and fuel-efficient stoves to women from Swat, Buner, and Shangla.
The organization has also installed solar power systems in schools across Buner to support uninterrupted education for children.
Speaking at the event, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Shiraz Ali Shah said, “We are helping communities recover in ways that strengthen their resilience to future disasters. Every home rebuilt, every livelihood restored, and every new skill gained contributes to a broader effort to reduce risk, build long-term resilience, and ensure families are not left vulnerable again.”
Deputy Commissioner Buner, Kashif Qayum Khan, commended the joint efforts, stating, “In the first 24 hours, our district administration swiftly deployed staff on the ground, and we continue working tirelessly to rehabilitate and rebuild lives. The people of Buner are among the most resilient I have ever seen. Together with UNDP, we will continue to help rebuild lives and support a resilient future.”
To review ongoing recovery interventions, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Crisis Bureau Director Shoko Noda is undertaking a four-day visit to Pakistan.
During the mission, she will meet with government officials, development partners, and civil society organizations to discuss national priorities for climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and community-led recovery.
“Recovery is about helping communities earn a living again, access essential services, and strengthen their ability to withstand the future climate shocks we know will come,” ASG Noda stated. “The work happening in Pakistan now can serve as a model for scaling practical, locally led solutions that build long-term resilience nationwide.”
UNDP is working with the Government of Pakistan and international development partners including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, the European Union, and Japan on a nationwide post-flood needs assessment.
The findings will guide future investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable livelihoods, and enhanced early warning systems.
UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk emphasized that “climate resilience starts with people and communities. By improving early-warning systems, quickly restoring essential services and livelihoods, and expanding local capacity, we ensure future disasters do not reverse hard-won development gains.”