Pakistan still needs your help as the aftermath of the floods continues to affect millions.
Pakistan still needs your help as the aftermath of the floods continues to affect millions.
The floods in Pakistan, which began in June 2022, continue to displace millions and have even claimed the lives of almost 2,000 people.
A Climate Catastrophe
Described as a “climate catastrophe’ by the UN Secretary-General, the floods in Pakistan are not only due to its annual monsoon season.
As the Earth’s climate continues to warm, glaciers (massive blocks of ice) around the world are melting at an alarming rate. This is not only causing sea levels to rise, but it is also leading to devastating floods and landslides. In addition, the loss of glaciers is having a major impact on local ecosystems.
Pakistan is surrounded by more than 7,200 glaciers, more than anywhere else on the habitual part of planet Earth.
Rising temperatures caused by greenhouse gases are causing the glaciers to melt. The way humans are living across the globe is directly contributing to floods. And Pakistan isn’t even a major contributor – releasing less than 1% of carbon dioxide emissions – yet they are facing its most brutal consequences.
As climate change continues to make extreme weather events more frequent and more severe, Pakistan will need to find a way to adapt. Otherwise, it will be increasingly difficult for the country to recover from the devastating effects of floods.
33 Million Are Displaced, Thousands Injured or Killed
33 million is over double the entire population of smaller nations. Many parts of Pakistan have become inaccessible, and rescuers are struggling to evacuate thousands of stranded people from affected areas. Balochistan and Sindh provinces are the hardest hit areas.
A staggering 33 million people had been badly affected by the flooding, according to the local government. 220,000 homes have been completely destroyed, and 662,00 homes have been damaged.
Over 3.6 million acres of cultivated crops have been affected, and at least 800,000 livestock have perished. The local communities are heavily reliant on their crop and livestock to feed themselves.
The latest reports from local authorities have confirmed that 5,563km of road infrastructure have been partially or completely damaged, and 243 bridges have been destroyed.
Without access to urgent medical aid, food, clean water, and adequate shelter, those who have fled to higher ground will be at even more risk.
Islamic Relief is on the Ground, Providing Life-Saving Aid
Pakistan is in desperate need of aid and investment, which Islamic Relief Pakistan is responding to.
Islamic Relief, a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), has been working in Pakistan since 1992 and was one of the first aid agencies to respond to initial flooding.
Their emergency teams are continuing their efforts and are on the ground right now, working with local communities to establish how best to support affected families who urgently need food, shelter, bedding, and hygiene items.
When the floods first hit, Islamic Relief was in the region within 48 hours and conducted a needs assessment to determine what was most needed. From the needs assessment, Islamic Relief created food packs consisting of flour, lentils, salt, tea and oil. So far, 500,000 people have been delivered an aid package.
Your donations so far have enabled Islamic Relief to distribute cash grants, food packs, tents, kitchen sets and hygiene kits. Their teams in Pakistan are also working with the local authorities as part of a coordinated emergency response.
The situation is expected to deteriorate with more rainfall expected. Therefore, Islamic Relief desperately needs to respond to meet the ongoing and immediate needs of those who have been affected.
