Last summer's historic monsoon rains swept away homes and livelihoods, and affected more than 18 million people.

CARE Pakistan was among the few organizations to begin relief operations the day the floods began, six months ago. The floodwaters have been slow to recede, but some people are returning, only to find that nothing is left.

Now, CARE, like much of the humanitarian community, has transitioned its work in Pakistan to focus on the early stages of recovery in those areas where people have returned. However, falling temperatures across the country are are making recovery even harder--for those returning home and for those who are still displaced. CARE has worked through partners to reach more than 240,000 people in vulnerable households over the last six months and is continuing to work to help those affected by the floods through the winter and into their recovery.

CARE’s recovery activities include:

• health care,
• water and sanitation,
• Cash for Work programs, so that those in need can earn a wage by helping to rebuild,
• cash grants,
• food distribution, and
• distribution of other supplies, such as blankets.

Construction of early recovery shelters will also expand significantly this month.

To read more about the situations in regions where CARE is working, see our stories from the field:

The villages and camps in Sindh
Vulnerable families in Swat