In the wake of a recent rain-induced flood across the country, the government of Pakistan declared a national emergency on Thursday, 25th August. The Pakistani government called the unstoppable monsoon rains a climate-inducted humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. This extreme rainfall has caused flash flooding across the country, particularly in the southern region.
The floods so far have affected more than 30 million people leaving them without shelter and killing over 1000 people, including 350 children. According to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Sindh is the most affected province, where the death toll is 306, whereas Baluchistan, KPK, and Punjab reported 234, 185, and 165 deaths, respectively. Twenty-three districts of Sindh are declared ‘Calamity-hit’.
Pakistan received 166.8mm of Monson Rain in August against the average rain of 48mm, an increase of 241% overall. Sindh received 784% more rain, while Balochistan received 496% more rain this year. Sindh and Balochistan witnessed the heaviest rainfall after 1961.
Right now, more than half of the country is under-water. On average, the country receives only three to four spells of Monson rains. Still, currently, Pakistan is going through its 8th spell, and data suggests the re-emergence of another spell in September. The situation is more devastating than the 2010 floods.
Pakistan is living through one of the most serious climate catastrophes of the world with extreme weather events which we have seen this year including extreme heat waves, forest fires, flash floods, multiple glacier-lake outbursts, and now the monstrous monsoon. Climate change results from a flawed development model, river encroachment, lack of infrastructure to control flowing water, and lack of infrastructure to control drain water.
In this high time of havoc, the nation demands every local and overseas Pakistani to come forward and help the affected to the best of their capacity. The nation should donate generously and help the flood victims as at least 72 billion rupees are required to provide immediate relief to the flood-hit victims. Federal and provincial governments and multiple NGOs, individual groups, and people are working tirelessly to provide the victims with food, health, and shelter.
Leave a Reply