Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Flood Relief and Rehabilitation

In the deadly wave of flash floods across Pakistan, more than 33 million people have been displaced. The floods have destroyed more than 218k houses and more than 452k houses have sustained damage.

From 2mn acres of the crop to 494k livestock, the destruction has wreaked havoc unprecedented in Pakistan’s history.

According to the recent flood relief reports, the magnitude of the destruction is massive with over 220 bridges collapsed and 40+ reservoirs breached houses washed away.

Here rises the concern about the scope of rehabilitation support required from the public, private, and NGO sectors of Pakistan in rebuilding these afflicted areas.

 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a Unifier

 

 

One of the primary roles in flood relief emerges from the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) which unifies the public, private, and non-governmental sectors (NGOs) in advocating for holistic solutions.

It also actively engages civil society and the public to take action with effective campaigns under its umbrella. This is why we need corporate social responsibility the most in the disheartening scenario of flash floods in Pakistan.

While many NGOs have established flood relief camps in the affected regions, the constant inflow of in-cash and in-kind support from the public and private companies is even more important. This inflow can only be ensured when famous brands constantly advocate for flood rehabilitation.

Social Media Prowess for Mass Education

 

 

The most vital role comes in the form of activism and dialogue creation on social media platforms. From calls to donations to educating people on the cause and effect of a natural disaster, the marketing expertise channelled into CSR campaigns reap an influential outcome.

 

Youth Engagement and Activism

 

 

How can youth be best mobilized to work for the cause of rehabilitation and support for flood affectees? It’s when the brands they glorify and avidly follow disseminate the message of help and relief efforts.

Recently, Apple’s CEO, Tim Crook raised awareness about floods in Pakistan and committed donations for flood rehabilitation. The post sent out a wave of awareness not only for local Pakistanis but also for an international audience.

Such is the power of CSR in disseminating messages and setting trends for community service.

Brands across Pakistan from the real estate sector to food businesses to universities have committed their budgets to flood rehabilitation.

The ripple effect that originates from the donations of famous brands like Graana.com or let’s say Cheezious from the local restaurant industry, is pivotal to engaging entire industries to endorse donations.

As brands engage in creating a trend and effective resonating message, the product is quite beautiful – the creation of compassion and connectivity among the shared audiences.

It enhances the virtues of “patriotism”, “empathy”, and most of all, “unity”. Virtues that developing countries facing destruction desperately need to stand firm once again on their feet.

Such is the need and impact of corporate social responsibility in developing countries like Pakistan.

Promotion of Volunteerism

 

 

With driven input from top companies, there is a conducive increase in the momentum of volunteerism for any community service. As brands actively raise calls to action on a daily basis for donations and relief activities, public attention is contained and well-integrated.

A wholesome flood relief channel comes into being as more volunteers engage in community service. Across Pakistan, people have volunteered to gather funds and donations, from NGOs to educational institutions.

We need this momentum to continue in the coming 2-3 years, for which corporate social responsibility is very important.

 

Field Knowledge and Expert Opinion

 

 

In specific terms, comes the role of CSR from the construction and real estate sectors. They play a crucial role in the implementation of flood safety measures.

When the field-specific private sector engages, it has much more to offer than just monetary and in-kind support. It has the skillset, innovative strategies, and proactive approach required to overcome national calamities.

The construction and real estate sectors can offer expert opinions and practical field knowledge that can help Pakistan recover from the flood crisis in a sustainable and resilient manner.

From evaluation studies to data-informed disaster management, the collaboration of public authorities and private acumen can help pave way for lasting recovery.

 

Graana.com’s holistic solution for flood relief and rehabilitation

 

 

Recognizing the pivotal role that Graana.com can play in rehabilitation efforts as a real estate magnet, it has put forward a three-fold plan that caters to various stages of flood relief programs.

 

Donation Drives and Awareness Campaign

The first phase focuses on a short-term goal – to gather maximum in-cash and in-kind donations, and raise awareness about climate change and flood relief efforts. For this purpose, Graana.com has collaborated with Pak Army and is redirecting the collected donation to the institute.

The employees of Graana.com are committing a portion of their salaries to help reach as many flood affectees as possible. Graana.com has also donated ration and medicinal packages to the Pak Army in their time of need.

 

Evaluative Support in Feasibility Studies

In the upcoming rehabilitation stages, the maximum focus of disaster management and environmental bodies will be on feasible restructuring and rebuilding in flood-affected areas.

Here comes the perfect bullseye where the real estate sector can offer its specialized support in feasibility studies and building evaluations.

Some unique flood relief measures include:

• Support in structural assessments of the building structures and road infrastructures
• Soil evaluation and environmental assessment before restructuring to predict the probability of soil erosion rate and flood occurrence. This will help in flood prevention.
• Detailed evaluations of crack repairability and renovation avenues.
• Location mapping for demarcation of rehabilitated areas at a safe distance from water bodies.
• Assessments of drainage feasibility and plans for areas more susceptible to flash floods in the future.
• Urban planning and models with innovations in design and development concepts. For instance, sustainable mini-cities on water bodies – a concept being readily followed in Tokyo, inspired by the legendary animation film “Akira”.
• Estimated budgeting for rehabilitation inclusive of low-cost budgeting ideas.
• More resilient structures such as retaining walls are made in line with water levels and inflows.

Policy Support

Effective flood rehabilitation and relief require two most important ingredients – thorough research and informed policymaking supporting the on-ground execution.

Two areas where a real estate giant like Graana.com can play a major role in collaboration with governmental bodies like National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The policy can integrate:

1. Measures for fund collection and accountability.
2. Allocation of funds, for instance, to shelter, clothing, rehabilitation, sustainable material and construction, evaluation costing, and so on.
3. Stakeholder assessment and roles.
4. Community-based rehabilitation projects that engage local communities in planning and execution.

Pak Army Flood Relief

 

 

Pakistan Army is at the forefront of flood relief efforts countrywide. So far, more than 117 relief camps have been established. Moreover, 7,522 Pakistan Army Troops, 25 field medical camps, and 50 boats have been dispatched for flood relief efforts.

Fund collection points have been stationed across the nation. In Islamabad particularly, army donation points are centered in F-6, F-8, and F-10 Markaz. Recently, Graana.com donated ration packages to the F-6 camp and raised awareness about the need for flood donations.

As more and more brands join hands to keep donations momentum high across the country and international levels, Pakistan’s recovery from the flood havoc will improve tenfold.

With a three-tier plan, Graana.com is highlighting the urgent role the corporate sector can play in flood relief efforts. If the engines of our economies supplement energy into the currently crippled sections of society, the entire machinery can be revved again to transcend through this catastrophe.

Donate Now

Take out some time to donate to the cause of flood relief and rehabilitation. Your each penny matters to those who do not have a roof over their heads anymore. Details are as follows:

Account Title: Army Relief for Flood Affectees

Bank Name: Askari Bank GHQ Branch

Account number: 00280100620583

 

Read More

What Is SFR in Real Estate?