In late July 2010, severe floods struck Pakistan, affecting more than 20 million people from North to South including communities already suffering from massive displacement due to conflict in Pakistan or neighbouring Afghanistan. The disaster caused an urgent and comprehensive need for emergency aid. As the water subsided, the need shifted from emergency, life-saving assistance to return and recovery. By October 2010, the majority of flood-displaced families have returned to their place of origin. They are now in urgent need of drinking water, sanitation facilities, infrastructure, and income-generating activities.

During fall 2010, DRC initiated a programme in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkwha close to the Afghan border. Through a broad humanitarian intervention in a limited geographical area, the overall objective is to support a durable solution for the people affected i.a. by creating sustainable livelihoods and improving general living conditions. It is estimated that approximately 4,3 million people in DRC’s area of operation are suffering from the consequences of floods and conflict. DRC’s activities in the Khyber Pakhtunkwha province contribute to the protection and reconstruction of affected local communities.

DRC’s activities focus primarily on the geographical areas hosting the largest concentration of refugees from Afghanistan. An estimated 1 million Afghan refugees reside in the Khyber Pakhtunkwha province. The vast majority are exposed to long-term displacement. In addition to providing aid to the refugees from Afghanistan, DRC’s activities also aim at promoting durable solutions for IDPs in the province.