Psychological Assessment Report. Psychosocial Problems and Needs of Children in Flood Affected Areas in Pakistan

The devastating floods that struck Pakistan in 2010 left behind a trail of destruction and shattered lives across the country. The massive level of devastation threatens to set the affected areas of the nation back by decades. Millions of people’s livelihoods and homes were damaged or destroyed, along with roads, bridges, schools and other infrastructure. And for children of all ages caught up in a disaster like this, the massive disruption – and loss of reliability, cohesion, and predictability – can have a profound psychological impact. This report, based on research with 60 children, identifies psychological and behavioural problems children face after the floods in three flood-affected districts – Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur in Punjab province and Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The research found high levels of anxiety, depression and phobias. In response to these findings, the report puts forward recommendations to facilitators of child-friendly spaces on supporting children and parents.