Islamabad: The World Food Programme (WFP) is advancing flood resilience efforts in Pakistan through new initiatives aimed at enhancing community preparedness and supporting women’s livelihoods. The programs, which involve collaboration with national and provincial disaster management authorities, focus on anticipatory action and skills development in flood-prone regions.

According to a statement by Provincial Disaster Management Authority, a three-year memorandum of understanding has been established between the WFP and the National Disaster Management Authority, along with Balochistan’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority. This collaboration has led to the formation of a technical working group dedicated to advancing anticipatory action initiatives.

WFP has validated protocols for anticipatory action related to Indus River flooding through simulation exercises conducted in Dera Ismail Khan and Dadu. These exercises tested early warning systems, cash disbursement, evacuation procedures, and shelter management strategies.

In addition, WFP is executing a four-month project across four flood-affected districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan. The project aims to create community assets to mitigate seasonal flooding effects and provide livelihood training and coaching for women. The project, which began in late 2024, is expected to conclude by March 2025.

The WFP is also engaged in multi-year climate resilience activities in three flood-affected districts of Sindh, focusing on skills building and the construction of community water management assets. More than 3,400 women have so far participated in skills development training sessions.

As part of the UN system’s Living Indus Initiative, WFP has supported community-led construction of concrete water reservoirs to improve water resource management in KP and Punjab. December saw the inauguration of a display center in Rajanpur, southern Punjab, to market products made by women participants. Additionally, nurseries have been established to aid reforestation, and digital marketing training has been provided to female entrepreneurs to enhance business outreach.