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:Population (estimated)1,251,455.The total area of the district is 19,638 square kilometers. Number of Taluka /Tehsil 04Number of union councils 44Number of Villages 2,188Number of Health Facilities: 37 1 - DHQ, 03 - THQ, 02RHC, 31 BHUs

(Fig 1)

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.

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

(KIIs).During 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

and one supervisor. However, male and female enumerators were involved in data

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)

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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.

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)

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)

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

(Fig.18: Health Issues in the Area) 5.5 Protection

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

assessment.

(Fig.19: Facing

Problems in Obtaining

Assistance)

(Fig.20: Security Concerns)

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

(looting, thefts and robberies) as major security problem.; some

situations of harassment that would need additional enquiry.

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.(Fig.21: Distance to Collect Water)

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

63percent 6. RECOMMENDATIONS:

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.

– 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

accessibility needed to work out as long term solution but immediate

steps

need to be taken’

– Compensation for Losses

– Seed Distribution

– Seed Bank

– Drip Irrigation

– Fertilizers

– Tool Support

– 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

KARACHI:With the drought in Tharparkar making headlines, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson BilawalBhutto Zardari has issued show cause notices to Sindh Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah andprovincial Deputy Secretary General, Manzoor Hussain Wassan, over mishandling of the crisis inTharparkar.The show cause notices come amidst mounting criticism of the PPP provincial government’s handling of the droughtsituation which has so far claimed 470 lives over the past three years, including over 300 of children under the age of7.Shah, who is also the provincial president of the party and Wassan, a senior provincial minister, have been asked tosubmit a written reply after media reports leaked findings of an inquiry report compiled by Wassan andcommissioned by PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari.The report, prepared by the anti-corruption department, has investigated stories of embezzlement and corruption inthe handling of the Tharparkar drought response and reportedly exposed massive irregularities and negligence byvarious government departments.As a result of its findings the report recommends severe action against the district administration, healthdepartment, livestock department, food department, provincial disaster management authority, relief commissionerand finance department.