Archived Content

Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.

Canada's response to the floods in Pakistan

Canada's response to the flooding in Pakistan

On November 15, 2010, the Government of Canada, announced that individual Canadians donated over $46.8 million for Pakistan flood relief and that the Government of Canada has put an equivalent amount into its Pakistan Flood Relief Fund.
On October 15, 2010, the Government of Canada, announced that it will provide a total of $11.5 million to support agricultural recovery in Pakistan.
In September 2010, two shipments of emergency bridges left for Pakistan. The Government of Canada is contributing 28 emergency bridges funded through DFAIT's Global Peace and Security Fund. A final shipment will be sent in October.
On September 14, 2010, the Government of Canada, announced $7.5 million in additional support for flood relief efforts in Pakistan. This will bring Canada's contribution to the international effort to help flood victims to $40.5 million, making Canada the fourth largest donor in response to the flood in Pakistan.
On September 12, 2010, Minister Baird, Leader of the Government of the House of Commons announced on behalf of Minister Oda, that the Government of Canada is extending the deadline for contributions to the Pakistan Flood Relief Fund to October 3, 2010.
On August 31, 2010, Ministers Cannon, Oda, and MacKay, provided further details on Canada’s response to the floods in Pakistan.

On August 25, 2010, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) disbursed $25 million to international partners and Canadian non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

On August 22, 2010, the Government of Canada announced Matching Fund for Pakistan Flood Relief. Canada will contribute an equivalent amount to the Pakistan Floods Relief Fund for every eligible donation by individual Canadians to Canadian registered charities between August 2 and September 12.

On August 19, 2010, Canadian relief supplies, which arrived in Pakistan on August 17, were transported to Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, for distribution to flood-ravaged areas.

On August 19, 2010, Canada participated in the United Nations General Assembly’s Special Session on Pakistan Floodsat UN headquarters in New York City.
- Address by Minister Cannon to UN General Assembly’s Special Session on Pakistan Floods

On August 17, 2010, a Government of Canada relief flight carrying emergency relief supplies arrived at Islamabad International airport. The flight brought 1000 all-weather tents, 7060 jerry cans, 1000 tarps and 3840 mosquito nets in support of ongoing emergency relief operations on the ground by the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS).

On August 14, 2010, the Government of Canada announced that it will provide up to $33 million to respond to the most urgent needs of flood-affected populations in Pakistan.

On August 3, 2010, the Government of Canada announced through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) that it will provide $2 million in humanitarian assistance for the people suffering as a result of the floods in Pakistan.

On August 1, 2010, the United Nations authorized the disbursement of up to $10,000,000 from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Canada contributes annually to the CERF; this year alone our contribution has totalled some $39,400,000.

On August 1, 2010, Canada, through Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, offered condolences to those who have been affected by flooding in Pakistan.

Canada is monitoring the situation very closely and working with local authorities.

Background

Heavy monsoon rains, which began on July 21, 2010, continue to affect many regions of Pakistan causing significant flooding and landslides. More than 1,700 people have lost their lives, 4 million are homeless and more than 20 million people have been affected by the floods.

Punjab, Pakistan - Photo of extensive damage to key infrastructure

A bridge damaged by floods in Punjab, Pakistan

Extensive damage to infrastructure and transportation routes has been reported and may hamper the provision of essential services. The Grand Trunk Road, Karakoram Highway and other major arteries are effectively closed.

Canadians are advised to monitor regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the advice of local authorities.

Travel Report and Warnings

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Pakistan, except for Islamabad and northern Punjab province, due to the flooding.

Please consult our Pakistan Travel Report.

Assistance for Canadians in Pakistan

Canadian citizens in Pakistan requiring emergency consular assistance should call Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Emergency Operations Centre collect at 613-996-8885 or send an email to sos@international.gc.ca.

Friends and relatives in Canada seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in Pakistan should contact the Emergency Operations Centre by calling 1-800-387-3124 (Canada and the United States toll-free) or 613-943-1055 (local). They may also email sos@international.gc.ca.