CIVIL SOCIETY STRATEGIES AND PROJECTS IN FLOOD HIT AREA: A CASE OF PAKISTAN FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS

Abstract

In the past few decades, the frequency of floods has increased in Pakistan. Climate change and poor policy-making and management system across the country is the main reason for the increasing floods in Pakistan. However, the role and potential of Civil Society has not been acknowledged by different stakeholders in disaster management. The aim of the study to explore the role of civil societies contributes to the flood-affected area also how their efforts can be more meaningful for the flood-affected communities. A quantitative study based on a questionnaire conducted in village Ghangwal. The study reveals that Civil Societies responses are quicker than the government response to the flood-affected areas. The major role of Civil Society is in rescue and recovery phases. However, in mitigation and rehabilitation phases the role is limited. The government can reduce the risks of floods if the Local Government system and coordinated efforts at all level are ensured.  In the conclusion, the study identified four major areas where Civil Societies support the affected communities are civil society’s response is quicker and more immediate; rescue the affected people and nature of help extended by the civil societies; basic needs of the affected people so the need-based assessment was carried out to compensate and rehabilitate the prospective flood victims. Lastly, the study discovered the methods of distribution of relief-goods among the victims.