Islamic Relief is continuing efforts to support people affected by historic flooding in Pakistan, as it was announced that one-third of the country is now underwater.
Pakistan’s climate minister Sherry Rehman told AFP news agency on Monday that the situation had “exceeded every boundary, every norm we’ve seen in the past.”
The floods have killed at least 1,136 people since the monsoon season began in June, but the number is expected to keep rising. Some 1 million homes have been destroyed, forcing some families to shelter in dangerous areas such as by the sides of major roads.
More than 33 million people – 1 in 7 of the population – are thought to have been affected by the unprecedented flooding, which has seen the heaviest recorded rainfall in a decade.
The situation is expected to worsen, with more rain expected and several outbreaks of waterborne diseases reported. Food is beginning to run out in local markets and, while aid is beginning to reach those in need, efforts have been complicated by the destruction of key infrastructure including thousands of kilometres of road and at least 162 bridges.
Pakistani officials have said they are still processing the full extent of the damage. However, the impact of the flooding is likely to be felt long after waters recede.
Some 3.5 million acres of crops have been ruined and 800,000 livestock killed, effectively wiping out the livelihoods of countless families, while the country’s economic losses are expected to amount to billions of dollars.
‘Much more is needed’
Islamic Relief is on the ground, offering emergency assistance in the provinces of Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).
We have so far reached more than 20,000 people, distributing tents, food, cash, hygiene kits and other vital aid.
But, while essential, this work is only scratching the surface of the desperate needs of those affected by the flooding.
Islamic Relief has launched a global funding appeal for the emergency, with the aim of supporting more than 200,000 people.
“Whole villages have been swept away and submerged. I saw miles of nothing but water, where just a few days ago there were entire communities and people’s homes,” says Waseem.
“I’ve met so many families who fled for their lives just minutes before the floods arrived and they have lost absolutely everything they owned – their homes are destroyed, their livestock are dead and their crops are ruined. They don’t know how they will feed themselves and their children.
“Islamic Relief is distributing lifesaving aid like food, tents, cash and hygiene kits. But much more is needed.”
‘Bearing the brunt of global climate change’
Pakistani officials have pointed to climate change as the likely cause of the flooding, which are the worst in living memory.
Islamic Relief is calling on the international community to step up its response to help those suffering at the forefront of global climate change.
“People here are bearing the brunt of global climate change,” Waseem adds. “Pakistan produces less than 1% of the world’s carbon footprint, but its people are suffering the biggest consequences.
“These are the worst floods that Pakistan has ever experienced and the scale of the devastation here is unimaginable.
“Emergency aid is desperately needed to save lives and livelihoods. But we also need to see real global action on the climate emergency. These disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe – countries like Bangladesh and South Africa have also suffered their worst flooding in decades this year, while the Horn of Africa is right now suffering an unprecedented drought.
“It’s time for the world to wake up and act on climate change.”
The people of Pakistan are in dire need of assistance. Please help us support flood affected communities with life-saving aid. Donate to our Pakistan Floods Appeal now.
