The European Union has announced an additional €3 million in emergency assistance for Pakistan’s flood hit communities. The EU fresh aid boost aims to help communities in Punjab, where monsoon rains triggered some of the worst devastation witnessed in decades.  According to EU officials, the new funding will be directed toward flood-stricken districts that suffered massive destruction during this year’s monsoon spells. 

The assistance will be provided in the form of cash support, enabling affected families to immediately meet their most urgent needs, including food, shelter, and essential supplies.  This latest contribution follows the €1.05 million released by the EU in September, which was utilized to support healthcare services, access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and other essential humanitarian facilities for displaced and vulnerable communities.  This year Pakistan has faced one of its most destructive monsoon seasons in decades.

Official figures show that nearly 7 million people have been affected nationwide, with more than 2.9 million forced from their homes. Over 1,000 fatalities have been reported, while more than 200,000 houses have been damaged or destroyed. Floodwaters also ravaged farmland and crops, inflicting severe losses on the agricultural sector.  EU authorities highlighted that Punjab experienced its worst flooding in four decades, resulting in widespread displacement and destruction.

Homes, livestock, crops, and personal belongings were swept away, leaving families with little to rebuild their lives.  EU representatives said the latest aid package reflects the bloc’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in times of crisis. “This assistance is a symbol of our global solidarity and will provide critical relief for thousands of affected families,” officials stated.  With this new tranche of support, the European Union’s total humanitarian assistance to Pakistan this year will surpass €14.5 million, reinforcing ongoing efforts to help the country recover from severe monsoon-related disasters. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)