Pakistan is Flooded.

News | Nithya Kunta | September 4th, 2022.

Pakistan is facing the worst floods in the country’s history. 33 million Pakistanis have been affected by the flooding and millions have been displaced. Why is this crisis so extreme?

In April and May of 2022, Pakistan faced severe heat waves. Temperatures were reported to have reached 104 degrees for prolonged periods of time across the country. Warmer air tends to hold more moisture, and levels of rain were also predicted to rise, adding to the problem. Furthermore, the intense heat melted glaciers in the northern mountainous regions, eventually increasing water levels in the Indus River. Pakistan’s heatwaves also coincided with a large-scale depression, or a system of intense low air pressure. This combination of factors resulted in the country experiencing the heaviest recorded summer rain in a decade, with Monsoon rainfall 10 times heavier than usual and rainfall as high as 500% above average in certain provinces. Experts have concluded that Pakistan’s extreme floods are the result of the global climate-crisis.

The impact of flooding in Pakistan is devastating. One third of the nation has been completely submerged in water. Floods have washed away roads, damaged or destroyed 1 million homes, and wiped out half the country’s cotton crop alone. Many warn that there could be an increase in infectious diseases including skin infections, respiratory tract infections, malaria, and waterborne diseases. Around 800 health facilities have been damaged, worsening this health crisis by leaving vulnerable populations without access to healthcare and medical treatment. Since the Monsoon season began in June, the death toll in Pakistan has risen to 1,200 people with one third of those killed being children. Those who have escaped the damage have been crowded into makeshift camps around the country.

Building back from this disaster is proving to be incredibly expensive, with estimates quantifying more than $10 billion. Pakistan has appealed for financial help from international aid agencies, countries, and donors. The UN has launched $160 million to help 5.2 million of the most vulnerable people in Pakistan while WHO has donated $10 million to treat the injured and deliver health supplies. Individual countries have offered aid as well: the UK has allocated $1.8 million for flood relief efforts, and China has pledged $14.5 million in aid.

How to help Pakistan

• Spread awareness about the crisis on social media and with friends and family

• Donate to UNICEF to provide health services and water and hygiene kits

• Donate to Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan to provide emergency food and shelter

• Donate to Save the Children to provide shelter, schooling, and food