With more than one-third of Pakistan inundated by floodwaters, river levels rising in Jackson, Mississippi, and thousands of acres burning in Oregon, Direct Relief is tracking and responding to multiple emergencies this week.

Climate-driven disasters, such as flooding and wildfires, can displace people from their homes, leaving them without critical medications to manage their health. The organization has opened up its inventory of medications for the response and is in communication with local groups to best assist.

Flooding In Pakistan

Since mid-June, Pakistan has endured an extreme and unprecedented monsoon season, leading to more than 1,000 deaths and causing widespread destruction of homes and public infrastructure. Sindh, where the vast majority of the damage has taken place, received 784% more rainfall than its typical August average.

The catastrophic flooding has affected roughly 15% of the country’s population (33 million people), sparking widespread impacts, mass migration, and severe needs for basic resources. 

According to the country’s climate minister, Pakistan is going through its eighth monsoon cycle of monsoon, double the usual amount of rain.

In response, Direct Relief is preparing a shipment of insulin in coordination with Life for a Child for distribution to 10 hospitals and healthcare facilities in Pakistan. The shipment is an annual supply worth of long-acting insulin for 3,773 children and young adults under the age of 25 living with Type 1 Diabetes. An additional shipment of short and immediate-acting insulin, enough for 5,000 individuals, is also being prepared.

Additionally, Direct Relief is working in coordination with the World Food Program on population analysis to assess where evacuations have taken place and where aid may be needed.

Flooding in Mississippi

Heavy rains over the past few days have brought the threat of flooding to areas of Jackson, Mississippi. As many as 150 homes in the northeast and southern parts of the city are threatened.

Residents of Jackson have been unable to drink fresh water as of Tuesday, according to Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves.

The Governor has declared a state of emergency in Mississippi and residents in some Jackson neighborhoods are being urged to evacuate.

Direct Relief is in communication with organizations including the Community Health Center Association of Mississippi and the Mississippi Free Clinic Association and will respond to needs as they become known.

Oregon wildfires

As of Tuesday, the Rum Creek Fire in Galice, Oregon, has burned over 11,600 acres with only 1% containment. Over 1,300 personnel have been assigned to the fire.

On Saturday, August 27, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown declared a statewide emergency in anticipation of “imminent” wildfire danger.

There are currently 27 additional active wildfires across Oregon at this time.

Direct Relief has frequently responded to wildfires in Oregon and much of the Western U.S., and is currently in contact with the Oregon Primary Care Association and with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.

The organization will continue to monitor the situation and respond as needed.