In the last few decades, it has been observed that disasters continue to strike at an even bigger intensity and magnitude in places that were not previously frequented by disasters. Disasters can be natural; human induced or a combination of both.
The human factor is responsible for escalating the degree of disasters. Wars, conflicts, civil strife, transport accidents, oil spills, environmental degradation, rapid urbanization and industrialization, deforestation and mass displacement all are caused by human beings' mishandling of their resources and the surrounding environment.
Pakistan is prone to disaster risks ranging from avalanches, cyclones, storms, droughts, earthquakes, epidemics, floods, glacial lake outbursts, landslides, pest attacks to river erosions. However, the most devastating and frequently occurring hazards in Pakistan are earthquakes, droughts, flooding, Wind Storms and Landslides. These disasters have caused massive damages and losses to the human lives, property and to the economic growth of the country. The 2005 earthquake has claimed the lives of 73,000 people and more than 80,000 were injured. This unprecedented catastrophe in the history of Pakistan has led to the displacement of 3.3 million people.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority, a number of factors lay behind the intensity of disasters in Pakistan and the damages they entail. These factors include:
Poor construction practices,
Poor livestock and agricultural management,
Fragile natural environment,
Poverty,
Weak early warning systems,
Lack of awareness and education,
Poor communication infrastructur
In mountainous regions, the non-availability of safer land for construction, scattered settlement patterns and harsh climatic conditions further intensify vulnerabilities.
According to NDMA, the frequency, severity and impact of certain hazards in the coming decades may increase which might lead to greater social, economic and environmental losses.
In emergency situations, Qatar Charity ensures to participate actively in the efforts of humanitarian response by providing relief in the form of food and non-food items to the affected communities. The services provided by the QC are in the fields of health, water, sanitation and shelter. After disasters, QC enables the affected people to rebuild their lives by providing education, training and livelihood support.
In the recent few years, QC has responded to the following disasters in Pakistan:
Qatar Charity is in a special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations since 1997. In Pakistan, QC is registered with the Economic Affairs Division, Ministry of Economic Affairs & Statistics
