It was a normal evening in Zia’s self-made home built from unbaked bricks in Pakistan. He and the other nine members of his family were sleeping when his phone suddenly started ringing.
“The government called us, saying that we must leave immediately with your belongings.”
His neighbours received the same call. A flash flood was heading directly towards them, and the moments that followed would be critical. Rapid decisions had to be made. What should they take? What could they take?
As the first rush of water arrived, local people rushed to man boats on a nearby canal.
Since June 2025, the monsoons in Pakistan have been unusually heavy. In some provinces whole villages have been swept away, resulting in hundreds of deaths.
With little time to spare, Zia and his family scrambled to escape.
“We quickly gathered our things, called a boat, loaded whatever we could, and moved towards the canal area for safety. When the flood came, there was water everywhere, and we had to leave in great haste.
Everything we left behind was washed away. The house completely collapsed. Nothing was saved, not even the wheat. Many people also lost their animals in the flood. We only managed to take four beds with us on the boat.”
They were relieved to have reached safety, but as they looked around, they saw around thirty other families who had also gathered there – all trying to comprehend what they had just endured.
Nothing remained. Everyone was distressed and helpless.
Life in northern Pakistan is challenging even at the best of times, but the floods made survival far harder.
It is very cold here. We stayed in the open air with no tents and no wood. People somehow managed with old and worn clothes. We stayed on the roadside for two months. The Government provided some assistance with food and drinking water.
“We are deeply grateful for the support we have received. We are thankful to ShelterBox and Islamic Relief for providing us with temporary shelter.
This tent was very necessary for us. Before receiving it, we were extremely uncomfortable. We have small children, and the cold was severe. Now, at least, everyone can sleep safely and comfortably.”
ShelterBox and Islamic Relief Pakistan have supported thousands of people affected by severe flooding across the country, delivering emergency shelter and essential supplies. As temperatures dropped, keeping families warm became a priority.
ShelterBox also hired local people to help clear debris and trained them to erect temporary shelters in safe locations, creating much-needed income opportunities.
Being safe has given Zia and his family the chance not only to reflect on what they have survived, but also to look ahead to the future they want to build – a future that, for a time, seemed frighteningly uncertain.
“We are poor and have suffered greatly. Now we wish to have a permanent home. Our children need a secure future.
We are very thankful for ShelterBox and Islamic Relief kindness.”
Unusually heavy monsoon rains and sudden cloudbursts have caused severe flooding and landslides, destroying homes and livelihoods in a matter of hours.
Many families have lost everything. Thousands of people are still living in temporary shelters or out in the open as they begin to recover.
ShelterBox and Islamic Relief Pakistan are providing emergency shelter and essential items to support families through this crisis.
Learn more about the floods in Pakistan and how we are supporting affected communities.
