Supporting Resilience in Disaster Prone Communities – Peace in Doldrums

Rahim Marri – Head of Humanitarian and Inclusive Development, HANDS Pakistan

Host Community: District, Karachi

The Mapping Displacement Research Team engaged with Muhammad Rahim Marri, Head of the Humanitarian and Inclusive Development Department at Hands Pakistan, in October 2024. As one of Pakistan's leading non-profit organizations, established in 1979, Hands Pakistan has played a pivotal role in disaster response and recovery. Operating nationwide, the organization focuses on marginalized communities through initiatives in health, education, water and sanitation, and sustainable development. Headquartered near the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway in Gadap Town, Karachi, Hands Pakistan combines its extensive field presence with targeted efforts to promote long-term resilience and recovery in disaster-affected areas.

With over a decade of experience, Marri has been closely involved in humanitarian efforts, particularly in managing the challenges posed by disaster-induced displacement. He shared his insights into the migration patterns following floods, particularly the recurrent disasters that have displaced millions over the years. During the 2022 floods, Sachal Goth, a neighbourhood in Karachi that hosts displaced communities, became one of the primary hubs for affected families. Located along the city's northern corridor, Sachal Goth's proximity to key highways and urban centres makes it a common destination for those fleeing flood-affected rural areas.

Understanding Disaster-Induced Migration

Marri explained that floods often result in temporary migration to urban areas like Karachi, as families seek immediate shelter and basic resources. However, once the floodwaters recede, many displaced individuals aim to return to their rural homes. For others, the scale of destruction—loss of homes, possessions, and livelihoods—leaves them with no choice but to remain in urban settlements like Sachal Goth.

During the 2022 floods, government efforts encouraged displaced populations to return to their native villages after an initial period of two to three months. While many families heeded this call, a smaller number chose to remain in Karachi, unable to rebuild their lives due to the extensive damage in their home regions. Marri highlighted how these circumstances have added layers of complexity to disaster-induced migration, often turning temporary displacement into permanent urban migration.

Sachal Goth now hosts a mix of displaced families and local residents, creating a dynamic but resource-strained environment. The influx of displaced individuals has led to increased demand for water, sanitation, and housing, while tensions occasionally arise between the host and displaced communities over limited resources.

Efforts to Mitigate Migration Pressures

Marri detailed the ongoing work of Hands Pakistan to support displaced populations while minimizing the pressures of migration in urban centres like Karachi. The organization prioritizes strengthening resilience in rural areas to reduce the need for migration during disasters. Hands Pakistan operates early warning systems at the district level, which alert communities about impending risks, helping them prepare and evacuate to nearby safe spaces rather than migrating to larger cities.

Additionally, Hands Pakistan serves as an implementing partner for the Sindh Flood Emergency Housing Reconstruction Project (SFEHRP), which aims to assist 2 million families affected by the 2022 floods. This initiative focuses on rebuilding homes, providing essential services, and supporting community recovery to enable families to return and reintegrate into their native regions.

Marri emphasized that long-term reconstruction and resilience-building efforts are essential to reducing migration pressures on urban centres like Karachi. While immediate relief efforts address urgent needs, sustainable development and preparedness in rural areas play a critical role in mitigating the long-term impacts of disasters.

The Final Insight

Marri’s insights reflect the complex realities of disaster-induced migration and the challenges faced by both host communities and displaced populations. As Sachal Goth continues to accommodate those displaced by recurring floods, there remains a pressing need for policies that address both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation. By strengthening rural resilience and improving urban governance, stakeholders can work toward alleviating resource strains and ensuring a smoother integration of displaced populations. Hands Pakistan’s ongoing efforts underscore the importance of proactive, community-focused approaches in managing the aftermath of natural disasters.