This report assesses the impact of a drought in Tharparkar District, Pakistan, affecting 306,686 people and resulting in significant livestock losses due to disease. The majority of families are in urgent need of food assistance, with many reporting no access to adequate food supplies or resources to purchase food. The findings highlight a critical situation requiring immediate humanitarian intervention to support affected communities, primarily dependent on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods.

4. 1. Acknowledgement:
This report is prepared by HANDS – Pakistan with technical support of UN-OCHA.
Special thanks for the valuable inputs from representatives of WHO, Unicef, WFP, FAO
and Other Humanitarian Partners
Tharparkar:
(Fig 1)
Population (estimated)
1,251,455.
The total area of the district is
19,638 square kilometers.
Number of Taluka /Tehsil 04
Number of union councils 44
Number of Villages 2,188
Number of Health Facilities: 37
1 - DHQ, 03 - THQ, 02RHC, 31
BHUs

5. 2. Introduction:
Tharparkar District , is one of the districts of Sindh province in Pakistan. It is
headquartered at Mithi. It has the lowest Human Development Index of all districts in
Sindh.
Dhatki also known as Thari, which is a Rajasthani language, is common language,
which is also the majority language of neighboring Umerkot district. However Sindhi and
Urdu are also spoken. The largest tribe in Tharparkar district is Meghwar Scheduled
Castes. The population can be divided into three main classes, Rajputs, which include
Muslim and Hindu tribes and aboriginal tribes. The large number of aboriginal Bhils are
also settled in a huge population in Tharparkar district. Many nomadic Sindhi tribe
inhabit the region. Thakurs mostly left Tharparkar and migrated in India after
independence of Pakistan.
Traditionaly the economy of the district population depend on livestocks and agriculture.
If a family requires cash for essential commodities or services, they trade-in or sell their
animals to fulfil their requirements. The current Veternary epidemic has wiped out most
of their livestock and ability to sustain.

6. 3. Research Methodology and Sample design:
It’s a multi cluster initial assessment using Key Informants Interview technique.
Questionnaire adopted from Multi Cluster Initial Rapid Assessment Tool (MIRA)
The randomize sample size of 330 villages calculated from the 4 Taluka, to give results
within certain reliability limits (5-10% margin of error and 95% confidence interval).
As per calculated sample at district level assessment covered 322villages.
The data collected through 637 (322 Female & 315 Male) Key Informant Interviews
(DKuIrIsin)g. the assessment, data is collected from all 44 UCs of 4 Taluka of Tharparkar
district.
The rapid assessment conducted from 11 to 15 March 2014 in four Taluka of district
Tharparkar indicates that 100percent population has been affected by the recent drought
to some extent.
During the assessment, numerators collected information from 637 key informants (322
males & 315 females) in 322 villages. Primary data collection was undertaken using
representative sampling.
The sample comprised 61villages of Mithi Taluka, 120 villages of Diplo Taluka, 58
villages of Nagarparkar Taluka and 83 villages of Chachro Taluka to achieve results
within acceptable reliability limits (5percent margin of error and 95percent confidence
interval). The KIs were identified through consultations with local community
representatives.
Assessment teams were made up of four male enumerators, four female enumerators

7. Sample calculation of District
Tharparkar
Taluka Total Villages
Sample Villages
Chachro 586 83
Diplo 763 120
Mithi 499 61
Nagarparkar 340 58
Total 2188 322
(Fig 2)

8. 4. Demographic Information:
The total number of affected population in the four tehsils of Tharparkar districts is
306,686. The largest numbers of affected population is in Chachro (105,898) followed by
Mithi and Diplo. Smallest numbers of affected populations are in Nangarparkar.
Population distribution is depicted in .
Tharparkar:
Population (estimated) 1,251,455.
The total area of the district is
19,638 square kilometers.
Number of Taluka /Tehsil 04
Number of union councils 44
Number of Villages 2,188
Number of Health Facilities: 37
1 - DHQ, 03 - THQ, 02RHC, 31 BHUs
(Fig 3)
(Fig 4)

9. Areas with greatest needs
Assessment indicate that the highest number of affected populations were in Chachro.
This is large arid and barren area and the population is widely disbursed. Therefore
there is greater need for provision of assistance.
Number of Key Informants
Total number of Key informants for the Rapid Assessment was 637 (322 Females and
315 Males), Village and Gender wise they were distributed as follows (Figs.2a, 2b, 2c,
2d). General Observations:
This document provides findings of a rapid assessment based on interviews with key
informants (KIs) conducted by HANDS, from 11-14 March 2014, across 322 villages in
Tharparkar districts.
The met office stated the reason of calamity is untimely and low rainfall, have caused
domestic crop failure, coupled with outbreak of sheep pox epidemic in small livestock is
associated with food insecurity and high number of deaths including children in
Tharparkar.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority reports since 1st Dec 2013 259,947
families are affected. The authority also reported, out of total 167 deaths from 06 health
facilities of the district, 99 are children, 68 Adults.

10. The survey identided the average household size found is 07, the male female ratio is
49:51. The survey villages found are 100% effected.
Findings of the rapid assessment indicate the recent drought have affected at least
306,686 people and 303,902 livestock died due to different diseases. The coordinated
assessment by humanitarian partners collected data through 637 (male & female) key
informant interviews.
The Sindh Provincial Disaster Management Authority reports 259,947 families are
affected. Half the population of Tharparkar is non-Muslim, poor and with minimal access
to social services including healthcare. 5. Key Findings
Findings of the rapid assessment indicate 35 Percent of the 15,077 families that
depend on agriculture have been affected and require assistance to restore their
livelihoods. Further, 36 Percent of the 15,524 families that depend on livestock
production need support, as 10,725 heads of livestock were reportedly lost. Some 55
percent of the communities reported that they have no fodder for their livestock, and
another 42 percent reported available fodder sufficient for two to four weeks. A further
88 percent of the 6,433 families
that depend on daily labour as their primary source of income have lost their livelihood
and need immediate assistance.

11. During assessment, 76 percent Key Informants (KIs) reported that they have no food in
their stock, and another 18 percent reported available food in sufficient for two weeks
which indicate urgent provision of food to affected families. Only 7 percent (2,974) of
affected households have adequate resources to buy food, while 59percent of (KIs)
indicate that local markets have plenty of food. Furthermore, 89percent key informant of
the 322 villages reported Sheep pox as a foremost cause of small animal loss while
other two diseases Perphario & Barkki were also reported by the 78 percent and 49
percent informants respectively.
The findings show that among the 322 villages visited in district Tharparkar during
assessment, families in 166 villages have left their homes to seek livelihoods in nearby
districts while in 148 villages, families are planning to move to avoid precarious
conditions which are endangering their lives.
The main health problems reported by key informants in the drought hit areas are
diarrhea 87percent, fever and malaria 82 percent, followed by cough and respiratory
tract infections 79 percent, and lastly by skin diseases 41 percent. It can be assumed
that given their heightened vulnerability, they will require specific attention and
specialized care by the trained healthcare providers. During the assessment, 66 percent
respondents reported that nearest health facility is at a distance of more than 5
kilometers and of those 26 percent highlighted basic health unit (BHU) as nearest health
facility, 24 percent reported DHQ/THQ as nearest health facility and 19 percent report
dispensary as nearest health facility for them while in 32 percent village’s nearest facility
was reported not functional which indicate more than one third population has to travel a
long distance for availing healthcare services.

12. During the assessment, key informants of 39 percent villages reported that there are
reports of women who have stopped or reduced breastfeeding after the drought, there is
also a decrease in exclusive breastfeeding after drought which is 11 percent less than
before (39percent), an indicator strongly associated with an increased risk of
malnutrition in infants and young children. In addition to that, infants and young children
are also given goat milk, wheat flour, rice and biscuits as supplementary food.
Water related issues were not of concern during calamity. As reported by 322 village’s
key informants, water was accessible in most of the villages but more than 99percent of
the households do not treat drinking water as they count dug well water as safe. Women
are widely engaged to fetch water from nearby sources, and nearly three quarter women
spend one hour to collect the water.
Only 11percent of the KIs identified problems in obtaining assistance in drought situation
while 15percent of KIs reported security concern in the community.
Radio and Mobile phones are the main source of communication in visiting villages.
Some 63percent informants reported mobile phone as primary source of communication,
53percent KIs reported radio as mode of primary source of communication and
13percent reported NGO staff is also primary of source of communication.

13. 5.1.1 Food security
Main Livelihood Sources
The main livelihood of the people is related to
agriculture and livestock rearing. A significant
number of populations are daily wage earners
and primarily work as laborers. The main
livelihoods are distributed as follows (Fig. 1) (Fig.5 – Main Livelihood Sources)
5.1.2 Livelihood source losses
It was assessed that very large number of
population had suffered from loss of livelihood.
For three sectors of the local economy, it is
estimated that 88percent of livelihood loss was
in daily wage sector where large number of daily
laborers worked. This was followed by
79percent livelihood losses in Agricultural based
activities and 69 percent livestock based
occupations. (Fig.6: Livelihood Sources Losses)

14. 51.3 Walking Distance to reach nearest
Market (in KMs)
The distance from the village to reach the
market was assesses by the team. On an
average, for 87percent villages the
commuting distances to the nearest market
was 5 KM. Only 13percent markets were
within 5 KM distance
(Fig.7: Distance to reach nearest
market)
5.1.4 Families Food Buying Power
Unfortunately 93percent of the affected
population did not have any buying power for
food. Only 7percent were fortunate enough
and could buy their own food.
(Fig.8: Food Buying Power)

15. 5.1.5 House Holds Food Stock
The affected populations were very
severely affected by; low quantity of food
stock that were available to them. It was
significant to note that 76percent
population did not have any food stock.
This grave situation was followed by
19percent population who had stock for 2
weeks, 4percent population who had food
stocks for 2 to 4 weeks. Only 1percent
population had food for more than a month.
(Fig.9: Food Stock Availability)
5.6 Food Availability in Markets (Percent of
villages)
The availability of food was assessed and
59percent villages indicated that food availability
in the market was plenty. Data from 11percent
villages indicated that food was available but the
quantity was inadequate. Nonetheless, for
14percent villages, food was not available in the
market and, 12percent villages did not know
about the food availability in the market. For
4percent villages, the market was not functional.
(Fig.10: Availability of Food in Markets)

16. 5.2 Livestock & Fodder
5.2.1 Livestock Losses
Very large numbers of livestock were lost
in the drought affected areas. It is
assessed that on a cumulative basis some
40percent livestock had perished. The
number of small animals (cows, buffalos,
camels etc.) was about 43percent. This
was followed by 27percent large animals. (Fig.11: Livestock Losses)
5.2.2 Villages affected by Diseases
It was also assessed that very large numbers
of live stocks were lost from three dreaded
animal diseases. These diseases have
occurred widely in the affected areas and
these losses occurred in 89percent villages
from Sheep Pox, 78percent villages from
Pephario (Contagious Pleuropneumonia /
Pest des Petits) Ruminants (PPR) and
49percent villages from Barkki (Anthrax). (Fig.12)

17. 5.2.3 Fodder Stock Availability
The lives-stocks in the area were also
greatly affected by shortages of fodder.
The stocks available, it was assessed that
55 percent affected population had no
Fodder stocks for their live stocks. This
was followed by 33 percent population who
had Fodder available for 2 weeks only,
while 9 percent population had fodder
stocks for 2 to 4 weeks. Only 3percent
population had fodder stocks for more than
one month.
(Fig.13: Availability of Fodder)
5.3 Nutrition
Nutrition is very important from all aspects of health. During
the droughts, malnourished, poor and weak populations easily
become victims. The team assessed the number of lactating
and pregnant women, number of women exclusively breast
feeding and, changes that have occurred from the episode of
drought. These are given below.

18. 5.3.1 Exclusive Breast Feeding
From assessesds data it was seen that
before the disaster, 39percent women were
exclusively breast feeding their babies.
After the disaster, this was reduced by
11percent and currently 28percent were
exclusively breast feeding their babies.
(Fig.14: Breast Feeding Status)
5.3.2 Changes in Breast Feeding
The team assessed the changes that have
occurred in Breast Feeding practices in the
affected areas. Although no change was
reported by 42 percent women, Before the crisis
39% women were exclusively breast feeding
their babies, which reduced to 28%
5.3.3 Number of Lactating and Pregnant
women
In the assessed areas, the number of lactating
women was 21870 and the number of pregnant
women was 17238.

19. 5.3.4 Food fed to Infants (Common)
The respondents indicated that where it
was possible, the infants and young
children in the drought affected population
were given goat milk, wheat flour, rice and
biscuits as supplementary food.
5.4 Health
The importance of health cannot be under
estimated, in this regard assessment was
made by the team as follows:
5.4.1 Nearest Health Facilities in the
Area
The nearest health facilities were identified
by the respondents. These are depicted
hereunder.
(Fig.15: Health Facilities in the Area)

20. 5.4.2 Villages with Nearest Health Facility
and
Functional status
There were 315 villages where Health Facilities
were available. However, a significant number of
the facilities were not functional .
5.4.3 Distance to Nearest Health Facilities
The travelling distance to the nearest Health
facility was assess by the team. Majority of the
Facilities were located at more than 5 KM.
(Fig.16: Status of Health Facilities)
(Fig.17: Distance to reach health facility)

21. 5.4.4 Prevalence of Diseases
A number of life threatening diseases were
present in the affected areas and the
weakened fragile affected populations
were exposed to them. Most common was
diarrhea, followed by malaria, cough & cold
and, skin diseases. The distribution of the
diseases in the affected population is
depicted in
5.5 Protection (Fig.18: Health Issues in the Area)
From a protection perspective,
the assessment results represent
a very basic set of findings,
which will need to be validated
and expanded through further
qualitative monitoring and
consultations with the affected
population. For protection-related
analysis, there were two major
findings that revealed during
(Fig.19: Facing
assessment.
Problems in Obtaining
(Fig.20: Security Concerns)

22. 49percent Female population slightly higher than available statistics
(Pakistan
Bureau of Statistics, Gender Statistics 2009: Balochistan female
population = 47percent).
11percent Key Informants (KIs) reporting problems with assistance
(299 KIs out of 322 responded to the query).Of positive answers:
11percent reported community faced problem in obtaining
assistance. 15percent KIs highlighting security concerns (246 KIs out of 296
responded to the
query). Of positive answers 15percent identified possible criminal
acts
5.6 Water, Sanitation And Hygiene
(WASH)
According to the assessment more than
95percent of the respondent reported that
they do not do any water treatment before
drinking. Out of 322 village’s responders,
44percent have access to the water within
15 minutes, 24percent have access to the
water between 30-60 minutes while
remaining communities can access water
in one to three hours respectively.
(looting, thefts and robberies) as major security problem.; some
situations of harassment that would need additional enquiry.
(Fig.21: Distance to Collect Water)

23. 5.7 Primary Source of Communication:
Communication through phone/SMS was
revealed as major primary source in
assessment which is 63percent followed by
Radio 53percent while communication
through friends (17percent) and NGO staff
(13percent) ranked third and fourth
respectively. Telenor mobile service is
widely used in all four talukas of district
Tharparkar.
Mode of Communication N Percent
Radio 168
53percent
Family and Friends 55
17percent
NGOs Staff 40
13percent
Phone/SMS 199
6. RECOMMENDATIONS: 63percent
Following are the major recommendations of different stake holders in response to
findings of survey;
Major Strategies:
– Short Term: Considering the alarming situation which us expected to be deterioted
because of continuous dry spell… till next monsoon…planned rescue and relief activities
needed to implement.

24. – Long Term: The solution of Thar is in long term development plans at least 10 years
plans,
address to their livelihood focus that is Livestocks, Agriculture, drinking
and
irrigation water, in addition to health education and other safety nets.
– Of course Public, Private and Non profit partnerships need to be
explored.
– Livestock: Following are the recommendation of many stake holders;
– Immediate cash compensation on livestock mortalities
– Ensure smooth Vetneray Services
– Ensure Smooth and Cost Effective Supplies of Livestock & Fodder.
– Agriculture: Considering the major livelihood that depend on rain water….alternate
water
– Compensation for Losses
– Seed Distribution
– Seed Bank
– Drip Irrigation
– Fertilizers
– Tool Support
accessibility needed to work out as long term solution but immediate
steps
need to be taken’

25. – Water
– Rain water harvesting Interventions
– Availability of safe drinking Water
– Food / Dry ration assistance till monsoon
– Equitable supplies at the door step
– Health Services: Needed to ensure 100% Primary, Secondary & Tertiary Level Health
Facilities.
– Communication: Local mass Media Health Awareness Program with use of Mobile
Phone &
FM Radio.
– Early warning System required to be established.
– Social Protection: Especially to vulnerable through safety nets programs
– Transportation System: Free or subsidized

29. KARACHI:
With the drought in Tharparkar making headlines, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson Bilawal
Bhutto Zardari has issued show cause notices to Sindh Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah and
provincial Deputy Secretary General, Manzoor Hussain Wassan, over mishandling of the crisis in
Tharparkar.
The show cause notices come amidst mounting criticism of the PPP provincial government’s handling of the drought
situation which has so far claimed 470 lives over the past three years, including over 300 of children under the age of
7.
Shah, who is also the provincial president of the party and Wassan, a senior provincial minister, have been asked to
submit a written reply after media reports leaked findings of an inquiry report compiled by Wassan and
commissioned by PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari.
The report, prepared by the anti-corruption department, has investigated stories of embezzlement and corruption in
the handling of the Tharparkar drought response and reportedly exposed massive irregularities and negligence by
various government departments.
As a result of its findings the report recommends severe action against the district administration, health
department, livestock department, food department, provincial disaster management authority, relief commissioner
and finance department.