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The severe and adverse rainfall affects many regions across Pakistan, hitting Balochistan, its largest and most impoverished province, the hardest. Those who were already suffering from a lack of food and safety are now rendered completely without shelter, thrown into the cold arms of homelessness. It is estimated that over 60,000 homes have been flooded, leaving over 300,000 people displaced.
Pakistan is ranked eighth among the most vulnerable countries to climate crises according to the Climate Change Risk Index 2021. This crisis has not only resulted in families living unsheltered under the open sky, but also drenched in water that is nearly waist high. This crisis has cost lives and it continues to do so. The flooding has caused at least 580 deaths, including 224 innocent young children and 114 vulnerable women. Over 1,000 people have been injured and this figure increases by the hour. In Balochistan alone, over 200 deaths have incurred, 58 of whom were young children.
While some can save themselves and their families, many unfortunately witness the deaths of their loved ones first hand. Naseebullah, a recent retiree, told Al Jazeera; “My brother lived next door and he had some relative’s children also staying with him. As soon as we managed to leave the house, the flood came crashing down and destroyed my house as well as my brother’s, taking him and the people inside away”.
The plight of those who manage to survive isn’t any more promising. More than 110,000 livestock has been lost in this disaster, depriving many of their only source of income. Lack of food, nutrition and hygiene undoubtedly will increase the risk and spread of water-borne diseases such as Typhoid and Cholera. The risk for survival is only increasing.
The local authorities are doing what they can to assist those who have been directly impacted by this flood. However, it is not nearly enough. We cannot turn our backs to the duty we have towards our brothers and sisters. Now more than ever, these 300,000+ displaced families need our help.
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