Emergency Grab Bag Checklist for Pakistan — Earthquake, Flood & Disaster Preparedness

Pakistan faces earthquakes, floods, and natural disasters regularly. Every family needs an emergency grab bag. Complete checklist with NDMA guidance and city-specific risks.

Why Every Pakistani Family Needs an Emergency Bag

Pakistan is one of the world's most disaster-prone countries. The 2005 Kashmir earthquake killed 75,000 people. The 2010 floods affected 20 million. The 2022 floods submerged one-third of the country. The 2023 Turkiye earthquake (affecting Pakistanis abroad) proved that emergencies can happen anywhere. An emergency grab bag is not paranoia — it's basic preparation.

Documents — Put These in a Waterproof Folder

CNIC copies — 3 for each family member
Passport copies — especially important if you may need to cross a border
Property documents copies — in case of total destruction
Bank account numbers and branch contact — written on paper
Family photos — for identification if family members are separated
Insurance policy certificates
Medical records — blood groups, known allergies, prescriptions for chronic medications
Children's vaccination records

Food & Water — 72-Hour Minimum

Water — 4 liters per person per day minimum (store in sealed bottles, rotate every 6 months)
Ready-to-eat food: canned beans, canned fish, dry fruit, energy bars, biscuits
Manual can opener (electric one is useless without power)
Water purification tablets — in case water supply is disrupted
ORS packets — dehydration kills faster than starvation

First Aid & Medical

First aid kit — bandages, antiseptic, gauze, medical tape, scissors
Torch with extra batteries / hand-crank torch
Whistle — to signal rescuers if trapped
Dust masks (N95) — essential for earthquake rubble
Warm emergency blanket (Mylar) — lightweight, fits in pocket
30-day supply of any regular prescription medications
Glasses or spare pair if worn
Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, antidiarrheal, antacids

Communication & Power

Solar or hand-crank radio — for emergency broadcasts when internet is down
Charged power bank (20,000 mAh minimum)
Phone charger cables
Cash — ATMs and card machines won't work in a power outage
Emergency contacts list on paper — not just in your phone

QR Tag Your Emergency Bag

If Your Emergency Bag Gets Separated From You

During evacuations, bags can be left behind, swept away, or picked up by strangers. A Nishaaan QR tag on your emergency bag means any rescuer or good Samaritan who finds it can immediately identify whose it is and how to contact the owner or family. In a disaster scenario, this can be life-saving.

City-Specific Risks in Pakistan

Islamabad & AJK

Earthquake zone. The 2005 Kashmir earthquake is the worst in recent memory but seismic activity continues. Ensure all family members know earthquake drop/cover/hold procedure.

Karachi & Coastal Sindh

Cyclones and urban flooding. The 2020 Karachi cyclone and regular monsoon flooding make water damage the primary risk. Waterproof bags and elevated document storage are essential.

Interior Sindh & Southern Punjab

Annual flooding risk. The 2022 floods affected almost all of southern Pakistan. Emergency bags in these areas should include flotation devices and prominent identification.

NDMA Emergency Contacts

NDMA National Helpline: 1700
Rescue 1122 (Punjab): 1122
Rescue 115 (KPK): 115
Edhi Foundation: 115
PDMA Punjab: 0800-02345