Flood Displacement and Social Protection Gaps: A Case Study of Rajanpur District, South Punjab

Abstract

The 2022 floods in Pakistan severely affected Rajanpur District in South Punjab, home to over 1.9 million people, many living below the poverty line. The disaster caused extensive displacement, destroying around 35,000 homes completely and damaging infrastructure such as roads, canals, and schools. Approximately 250,000 people were affected, with significant crop losses across 350,000 acres. Rajanpur faces frequent flooding due to its unique geography, bordered by the Suleiman Mountains in the west causing flash floods, and the Indus River on the east causing riverine floods. These floods exacerbate socio-economic vulnerabilities, particularly affecting women and marginalized communities. This study investigates social protection gaps experienced by displaced households, focusing on safe shelter, healthcare, livelihoods, and gender-specific risks. Utilizing mixed methods, primary data from surveys ((including a targeted survey of 150 women), interviews, and focus groups are), interviews, and focus groups are supported by Secondary data will be drawn from, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), UNDP, WHO, FAO, World Bank, and humanitarian situation reports to examine gendered impacts of floods and droughts. Primary survey data reveals that 48% of women cited damage to livelihood as their primary concern, while 22% faced significant health issues and 20% experienced a loss of education during displacement. The study highlights severe gaps in social protection for displaced women, who face increased risks of gender-based violence and barriers to vital services. It calls for gender-sensitive, inclusive disaster strategies within international climate governance and development cooperation, emphasizing targeted support, equitable resource access, and participatory planning to strengthen humanitarian and policy responses in climate-affected contexts.