Due to unprecedented amounts of rain, Pakistan is currently in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, referred to the rainfall as a “monsoon on steroids.” The resulting flooding has impacted over 33 million people, and left over 1,100 people dead.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has stated a third of the estimated casualties have been children.
Devastating floods in Pakistan are putting millions of children at risk.
UNICEF is on the ground, reaching families with lifesaving health services, water and hygiene kits. pic.twitter.com/ORKefLEe2P
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) August 29, 2022
To donate to UNICEF relief efforts, click here.
Rescue and relief operations underway
As the disaster unfolded, local and regional officials launched evacuation efforts. Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised the swift actions of the Pakistan military. The 6,500 deployed soldiers directly facilitated freeing hundreds trapped by the floods. Furthermore, Sharif has expressed his gratitude to the multitude of countries that have delivered humanitarian aid, particularly China.
Japan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, are among those who have also flown in supplies. These shipments are comprised of food, tents, and other daily necessities. In addition to this aid, the US has recently pledged $30 million in support:
“The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), today announced an additional $30 million in life-saving humanitarian assistance to support people and communities affected by severe flooding in Pakistan.” – U.S. embassy in Islamabad
The United Nations has also just launched an appeal for $160 million in emergency funding. However, the current need far exceeds the available aid.
Severe flooding & landslides have caused >1000 deaths in Pakistan. A @USAID disaster expert is in route to assist in assessing humanitarian needs. Staff in @USAID_Pakistan, @USAIDasia & DC continue to monitor & USAID has provided $100K in immediate assistance with more to come. pic.twitter.com/iQb6ZagYzY
— USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (@USAIDSavesLives) August 29, 2022
Prime minister Sharif has publicly stated all funds received will be spent responsibly, and in a transparent manner. Moreover, he believes this is important to foster trust in a time where many crops have been destroyed, and Pakistan will greatly depend on outside imports and assistance.
