1/3 OF PAKISTAN IS CURRENTLY UNDERWATER
Over 33 million people, 14 percent of the population, have been affected by the historic ongoing floods across the country of Pakistan, according to the United Nations and the National Disaster Management Authority of Pakistan. Since the beginning of the monsoon season in June, more than 1,500 people have died and hundreds of thousands of homes and crops have been decimated. More than 600,000 people have been placed in displaced-persons camps; many are left without access to proper necessities such as clean water, enough food, or suitable sanitation.
Multiple factors have resulted in the extreme flooding in Pakistan. Intense and deadly heatwaves for prolonged periods have swept throughout the country. Temperatures even exceeding 122F in some areas. According to meteorologists, the extreme heat has most likely resulted in higher than normal levels of rain during the monsoon season in Pakistan. The high temperatures have also melted glaciers in the northern regions of the country thus increasing the amount of water accumulated in the Indus river. The melting of these glaciers have caused dangerous rushes of water.
There is a link between global warming and the great amounts of rainfall that’s happening. Climate change has led to the rise in air and sea surface temperatures resulting in more evaporation and an increase in monsoon rainfall. Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s minister for climate change, said “One-third of Pakistan is underwater right now, which has exceeded every boundary, every norm we’ve seen in the past.” This extreme monsoon season recieved almost three times more in rain than its annual average during this time of year.
The two most impacted provinces affected by the heavy flooding are Balochistan and Sindh. These provinces are estimated to have recieved over five times more rainfall than average. Floods of water have torn through villages, infrastructure, health facilities, homes, roads, schools, etc. These floods have left around 3.4 million children in need of immediate relief and life-saving support. More than 500 children have lost their lives due to the floods. Malnourished children are battling with health diseases such as diarrhea, malaria, dengue fever, as well as other illnesses.
Total cost of damages from flooding are approximately $20-30 billion. The government of Pakistan and the United Nations are working to fund and provide flood relief and aid.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Millions of Pakistanis have been affected by the extreme monsoon flooding and continue to suffer in these conditions. There are several organizations to donate to right in Pakistan that are providing resources such as shelter, food, water, and basic necessities:
- UNICEF is on the ground in Pakistan working with the government and partners, to help families and children by delivering food supplies, safe drinking water, medical supplies, and hygiene kits.
- Pakistan Red Crescent Society is a humanitarian organization based in Pakistan providing emergency medical and relief services.
- CARE International works to provide crisis response to both remote and urban areas in Pakistan in assisting with food security, safe drinking water, emergency preparedness, and health care.
- Save the Children are in the most impacted areas of Pakistan and responding to the urgent needs of children affected by the disastrous flooding.
- United Mission for Relief and Development, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is working on providing families affected by the floods with emergency food supplies, hygiene kits, water well rehabilitation, and more non-food items.
- Shahid Afridi Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by famous Pakistan cricketer, Shahid Afridi, is providing resources and relief to flood victims of Balochistan and Sindh. Their drives are providing food, tents, clothes, and other essentials.