Post Disaster Damages and Needs Assessment (PDNA): Needs for building back better initiative in Chitral after GLOF and flood extreme events

The July 2023 floods in Chitral have had a devastating impact on multiple sectors, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, housing, education, transport, communications, water resources, agriculture, fisheries, and protective structures. The floods disrupted livelihoods, left communities vulnerable, and necessitated urgent assistance and support.

Rapid assessments and repairs are essential to restore connectivity and ensure smooth access to affected areas. The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector experienced severe disruptions in water supply systems, leaving communities without clean and safe drinking water. The introduction of new fish populations in affected streams and rivers is crucial for restoring the fisheries sector and supporting local livelihoods. The Agriculture and Livestock sectors, crucial to the livelihood, incurred significant damage to crops, lands, orchards, and livestock.

Rehabilitation efforts, including fodder supply, climate-smart seeds, and livestock vaccinations, are vital for farmers and livestock owners to recover from losses and adopt resilient practices. Moreover, protective structures, including walls safeguarding settlements and infrastructure, were damaged, rendering communities vulnerable to future flooding events. Reconstruction and reinforcement of these structures are essential for community safety. In light of these challenges, timely and collaborative interventions among stakeholders, government authorities, and humanitarian organizations are imperative to support Chitral's affected communities. The proposed restoration efforts aim to help these communities rebuild their lives, safeguard their livelihoods, and foster a resilient recovery from the catastrophic floods. By uniting our efforts, we can make a lasting difference and bring hope for a brighter future in Chitral.