Almost a thousand people are killed, including children, as ravaging floods displace over 3.1 million people and damage more than half a million homes across the country.
Furthermore, nearly 710,000 livestock are lost, and thousands of kilometers of roads and bridges are destroyed. Floods are causing earthquake-like devastation.
Abrar ul Haq, Chairman of Pakistan Red Crescent, stated:
“The situation is worsening by the day. These torrential floods have severely restricted transportation and mobility. The threat of COVID-19 and damage to vehicles, infrastructure and connectivity are further making our emergency relief works almost impossible. Most of those affected are also immobile or marooned making us hard to reach them.
“Pakistan Red Crescent is currently providing relief assistance in 23 of the most affected districts. We have also started mobilizing help from International Committee of the Red Cross, partner National Societies and local and international donors to support in relief and recovery activities. We have also deployed more 500 staff and volunteers to flood-affected districts.”
“We fear the worst is yet to come as these kinds of waters could mean the risk of water-borne diseases are looming over the heads of our people.”
The current rain and floods have impacted thousands of vulnerable and deprived communities, many of which are still recovering from the effects of COVID-19.
They are now in an even worse situation as a result of the floods. The pandemic’s compounding effects make it difficult for humanitarian organizations to address and respond to the needs of those affected right away.
The IFRC Head of Delegation in Pakistan, Peter Ophoff said:
“The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent is assisting the Pakistan Red Crescent in its response to the worst floods in a decade which have destroyed homes, crops, livelihoods and infrastructure and leaving millions vulnerable.
“Pakistan is experiencing abnormal monsoon rainfall nearly ten times higher than usual, resulting in uncontrollable urban and flash floods, landslides, across the country. Gaining a full picture of the scale of the disaster is difficult as many affected areas remain inaccessible due to inundated and damaged road networks.
“The devastation seen is giving frightening flashbacks of the devastating mega floods in 2010 which affected 20 million people.”
This monsoon season has brought unprecedented rainfall to South Asia, causing flash floods and landslides in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal.
The Federation has released approximately 500,000 USD from its emergency funds to assist approximately 31,000 affected people immediately. Turkish Red Crescent, German Red Cross, and Norwegian Red Cross are also assisting in the response operation.
To read our blog on “United Nations to fund $160 million for Pakistan flood victims,” click here
