UNICEF is warning of the the risk of waterborne diseases as one-third of Pakistan remains underwater
Residents in Pakistan have been warned of severe food shortages as the nation grapples with a relief and rescue operation of near unprecedented scale.
Widespread flooding has claimed the lives over 1,000 people, as nearly one-third of the country remains underwater.
UNICEF is working with the Pakistani Government and other non-government partners to respond to the urgent needs of children and families in affected areas.
“These floods have already taken a devastating toll on children and families, and the situation could become even worse. UNICEF is working closely with the Government and other partners to ensure that children affected get the critical support they need as soon as possible.”
Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.
In one instance, a wedding hall in the Pakistani town of Johi once received hundreds of joyful revellers.
However, it has since turned into a retreat for hundreds of sick patients, who are suffering from the effects of flooding.
Johi is in the hardest-hit Sindh province, which emains cut off from road access.
Record monsoon rains and melting glaciers in the northern mountains bought floods that have killed over 1,200 people.
The floods, which have been blamed on climate change, have destroyed all the crops in some areas.
In Balochistan, Pakistan’s army is delivering aid by helicopter.
The province has seen widespread devastation, including the washing away of key rail and road networks as well as breakdowns in telecommunications and power infrastructure.
“When disasters hit, children are always among the most vulnerable,” said Abdullah Fadil, who is UNICEF’s representative in the flood-ravaged nation.
Initial estimates of the damage across the country have been put at $10 billion.
Aid has flowed in from a number of countries, but charities in Pakistan have warned that there are still millions who have not been reached by aid and relief efforts.
