REEDS distributes Rs 5.1m to flood-hit families

MULTAN, Mar 15 (APP): REEDS Pakistan, a local humanitarian NGO working on rural development, education, livelihoods, and disaster relief, with support from Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), a German humanitarian agency providing emergency aid worldwide, distributed Rs 5.1 million assistance to 300 flood-affected families in

Jalalpur Pirwala.

The aid covered 20 villages of Union Council Shaini, with each household receiving Rs17,000 in the first phase under the “Cash for Food” initiative. The distribution was held at Government Elementary School Bait Mughal.

Assistant Commissioner Jalalpur Pirwala, Dr Mukarram Sultan Sahu, attended as chief guest, while local dignitaries and community members were also present. Dr. Sahu praised REEDS Pakistan for supporting flood-affected families, calling the initiative a noble act, especially during the holy month of Ramazan.

Shahid Saleem, Executive Director of REEDS Pakistan, said Pakistan ranks among the top ten countries most vulnerable to climate change, despite contributing minimally to global pollution. He observed that climate-induced disasters were increasing in intensity and frequency, citing last year’s unprecedented floods in Jalalpur Pirwala.

He urged humanitarian organizations, government bodies, and developed nations to collaborate in building community resilience. He also encouraged local communities to plant and protect trees, which help reduce flood damage by slowing water flow and providing oxygen.

The headmaster of Government Elementary School Bait Mughal thanked REEDS Pakistan for their support, saying the cash assistance would help flood-affected families meet their food needs during Ramazan.