United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Islamic Relief has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the flood-affected communities in Sindh.

The partnership will create income opportunities for households affected by the floods and support the construction of community infrastructures, said a press release issued here.

The devastating floods in Pakistan have affected 33 million people. Recently launched Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) highlighted that millions have become homeless, livelihoods are heavily impacted, and critical infrastructure has been wiped out.

Estimates of total damages and losses are around $30 billion.

Floods have particularly impacted the poorest and most vulnerable districts. The Poverty rates for many flood-affected districts in Sindh and Balochistan, two of the most impacted provinces, were even higher. Before the floods, households in calamity-hit communities showed an average poverty rate of more than 31 percent, well above the national average of 21.9 percent.

In response, UNDP and Islamic Relief will help communities with cash for work opportunities. An initial target of 10,000 cash-for-work hours will be set, with an increased focus on the inclusion of women. Simultaneously, rehabilitation schemes will also be identified in the selected districts that can be started immediately.